Chacao Municipality, located in eastern Caracas, has introduced two robotic dogs Turbo and Voltio as part of a new public security programme unveiled in March 2026. The initiative marks a regional first in Latin America’s use of AI‑driven technologies to complement urban policing efforts.
Presented by Gustavo Duque, the AI‑powered machines are expected to patrol plazas and other public areas, particularly at night, using high‑resolution cameras and motion sensors to capture live images and feed them back to the municipal command centre.
Officials emphasise that the robotic dogs are designed to support — not replace — human police officers and traditional canine units. Their functions include detecting suspicious movement, monitoring licence plates, and enhancing situational awareness during routine patrols.
Chacao, one of the five municipalities that make up Caracas and home to major financial centres, hotels and shopping malls, is positioning itself as a testing ground for “smart city” policing in the region. The rollout reflects a broader push to combine visible policing with advanced surveillance technology in urban spaces where safety remains an ongoing political and public concern.
The initiative highlights innovative approaches to public security as city authorities seek to harness artificial intelligence and robotics to augment traditional law enforcement and improve the safety of residents and visitors.
