Robot dogs deployed around World Cup venues in North Texas are being used for security inspections and hazardous-material investigations, not for facial recognition or ticket verification, according to the company behind the technology.
The clarification comes after a viral social media video claimed that “face-scanning robots” were being used in Dallas to verify World Cup ticket holders.
The video showed a robotic dog bearing the logos of South Korean automaker Hyundai and robotics company Boston Dynamics. The post alleged the machines were scanning faces as part of World Cup security operations.
Boston Dynamics disputed that claim.
“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,” a company spokesperson said, WFAA reported.
The robotic dogs, known as Spot robots, are part of security preparations surrounding FIFA World Cup events in North Texas. While some social media users expressed concerns about surveillance, the companies involved said the machines are intended to support security personnel rather than identify spectators.
According to Hyundai, the robots are designed to assist with on-site security operations during the tournament. Similar robotic systems have been used in crowded public settings, search-and-rescue missions, hazardous-material assessments, and bomb-detection operations.
The robots have also appeared at other sporting events, including cricket matches in England, professional football games in Atlanta, and the Indianapolis 500. Officials in Mexico are also using robotic canines as part of World Cup security efforts, where they help scout potentially dangerous areas and transmit live video to security teams.
The viral claims surfaced as officials continue preparing for the tournament across North Texas.
In March, the Dallas Police Department announced it had received a $51.5 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support World Cup security operations. Of that amount, $22 million is designated for personnel costs, including salaries and overtime for officers assigned to critical operations.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux also said the department received an additional $1.3 million for equipment and $10 million for drone mitigation technology.
Equipment purchases funded through the grant include approximately $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 recently highlighted public safety planning tied to the World Cup while speaking in Arlington.
“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,” Abbott said, per WFAA.
Preparations are already visible around major venues, including AT&T Stadium in Arlington and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, which will serve as the World Cup’s International Broadcast Center.
While the robot dogs have drawn attention online, Boston Dynamics said their role is limited to supporting security operations and investigating potential hazards — not scanning the faces of fans attending matches.
