Security robots are ready for action at the Confederations Cup in June, according to the Brazilian government.
The robots will be used to improve public safety inside of stadiums for the 2014 World Cup, and some will be employed for the upcoming soccer tournament.
The Confederations Cup is a precursor to the World Cup, with eight national teams vying for the trophy.
The competition will be played in six stadiums across Brazil this summer and the robots will make their debut ahead of the World Cup in 2014 and the Rio Olympics in 2016.
“The purpose of these robots is to keep the operator and other people safe while an investigation is being conducted,” iRobot wrote in a statement.
Each robot weighs about 60 pounds and is operated with a video game-style joystick that controls the movement of the machine.
It also comes equipped with a robotic arm that can be used to diffuse bombs and other things of that nature.
“The robots have proven useful for a variety of law enforcement applications, including the inspection of potentially dangerous areas and objects, the removal of suspicious devices and the detection of chemical and explosive agents.”
Brazil will feature at the Confederation Cup as the host team and shares a group with Asian champions Japan, Gold Cup winners Mexico and Euro 2012 runners up Italy.
World Cup champions Spain heads the other group along with Copa America winners Uruguay, African holders Nigeria and international minnows Tahiti.
Brazil has won the last two editions of the Confederations Cup in 2005 and 2009 and will be hoping to retain the trophy once again in front of its jovial supporters.
The security robots are ready for action in the summer tournament and it remains to be seen if they warrant their reported $7 million price tag.
