A viral video claimed “face-scanning robots” were checking World Cup tickets in Dallas. The company behind them says that’s not true.
DALLAS — File this one under: “They’re doing what?!”
A video went viral claiming FIFA had deployed “face-scanning robots” to verify ticket holders in Dallas for the World Cup. Yes, you read that right. On the robot, you can see branding for both South Korean automaker Hyundai and Boston Dynamics, an American engineering and robotics design company.
The two companies jointly announced their “School of Football” campaign, which does not make mention of these robots, but rather a different humanoid robot named Atlas. Hyundai posted a video on social media showing Atlas mastering the soccer move “The Ghost Rabona.”
Anyway, back to the alleged face-scanning robot.
WFAA reached out to FIFA, Hyundai, Boston Dynamics, Dallas Police and the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee. Dallas Police and the local organizing committee both referred WFAA to FIFA. FIFA did not respond by the publication of this article.
A Boston Dynamics spokesperson gave WFAA the following statement, which contradicts the video circulating on TikTok:
“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.”
Hyundai did not have anything further to add to Boston Dynamics’ statement.
In March, Dallas Police announced a $51.5 million grant from FEMA for security efforts surrounding the World Cup – $22 million of which will support personnel costs, including salaries and overtime for officers assigned to critical operations.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux also said DPD received additional funding: $1.3 million for equipment and $10 million for drone mitigation technology.
The breakdown of purchases DPD has made using the $1.3 million grant includes:
- $880,000 for additional cameras
- $258,000 for portable anti-ramming barricades
- $67,000 for 2 Polaris Ranger vehicles
- $72,000 for police vehicles for use during the tournament
Governor Greg Abbott was in Arlington this week to highlight his public safety plan, and the World Cup factored into the conversation.
“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.
The scale of what’s coming is already visible on the ground. Standing outside AT&T Stadium, the preparations are in plain sight — temporary structures, tents and barriers already going up as crews work to manage what’s expected to be massive crowds throughout the tournament.
The viral video — while inaccurate about the “face-scanning” component — is visual representation of security efforts in downtown around the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center, too, which is the host of the World Cup’s International Broadcast Center.