With the advent of artificial intelligence and robotics, robot dogs are being increasingly used worldwide for security purposes. Now, they are set to be deployed at FIFA World Cup venues in cities such as Dallas.
Hyundai-backed company Boston Dynamics has developed the robot dog that will play a key role in hazardous materials investigations.
However, rumors recently spread on social media that the four-legged robots would be used for facial scanning of fans attending the matches.
News spread that ‘face-scanning robots’ were being used in Dallas to verify the identities of World Cup ticket holders.
As a result, privacy concerns were raised by many on various platforms, prompting Boston Dynamics to clarify the role these robots would perform during the World Cup.
Boston Dynamics Responds to Social Media Rumor
According to Dallas Express, the robot dogs, known as Spot robots, have been introduced as part of the security preparations for the FIFA World Cup events in North Texas.
They were featured in a video on social media that raises privacy concerns surrounding their alleged facial recognition capabilities. However, Boston Dynamics specified the roles the Spot robots will be performing at World Cup venues. It told WFAA:
“Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots are being deployed at designated World Cup venues to perform perimeter security inspections and will be used to assist security personnel with investigating things like suspicious packages or other potentially hazardous materials. The robots do not have facial recognition capabilities.”
FIFA also released a similar statement. It reads:
“FIFA is proud of its official robotics partner Hyundai and their collaboration with Boston Dynamics for the deployment of advanced technology to enhance safety and security during the World Cup.
“Specifically, robotic patrol dogs are being used for asset protection at the IBC and NYNJ Stadium to identify and report physical security threats and risks for further human intervention.”
This is not the first time robots are being deployed for sporting events. They have been used during professional football games in Atlanta and cricket matches in England.
Agencies in Mexico are using robotic canines for the World Cup events. Their role is to relay live video feeds from potentially dangerous areas to security officials.
Dallas Police Received a $51.5 Million Grant for World Cup Security Operations
Preparations for the World Cup are in full swing around important venues, such as the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, which is the World Cup’s International Broadcast Center.
To ramp up security for the World Cup, the Dallas Police Department received a $51.5 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in March.
The department spent $22 million on security personnel costs, which include “salaries and overtime for officers assigned to critical operations.”
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux confirmed that the department received $10 million for drone mitigation technology and $1.3 million for equipment, which includes $880,000 for additional cameras, $258,000 for portable anti-ramming barricades, $67,000 for two Polaris Ranger vehicles, and $72,000 for police vehicles to be used during the tournament.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged that large-scale sporting events such as the World Cup often demand more resources. He said:
“Whenever we have these large events like the FIFA Cup, as well as we did this when Super Bowls took place at the Dallas Cowboy Football Stadium, we have a surge of resources at all levels.”
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