Chinese Company Unveils World's First Flamethrowing Robot Dog, Raising Concerns

Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, has unveiled the Thermonator, the world's first flamethrowing robot dog. The four-legged drone is equipped with an ARC flamethrower mounted on its back, capable of shooting a 30-foot stream of fire. The Thermonator, based on Unitree's Go1 robot dog platform, can be remotely controlled via a smartphone app and has a battery life of up to one hour.

The Thermonator is being sold by Ohio-based company Throwflame for $9,420, with free shipping to any U.S. state. Flamethrowers are federally unregulated in the U.S. and are not considered firearms, with only Maryland having strict restrictions and California requiring a Federal Firearms License. Throwflame, billing itself as "the oldest flamethrower manufacturer in the U.S.," claims its products are "accessible with pride by military veterans."

While Unitree and Throwflame tout potential applications for the Thermonator, such as wildfire control, agricultural management, entertainment, and snow removal, the unveiling of the flamethrowing robot dog has raised concerns about the potential misuse of such technology. Experts argue that the limited battery life and small fuel tank do not guarantee it won't be used to cause destruction.

Why this matters: The introduction of the Thermonator prompts questions about the responsible development and use of advanced robotics technology. As these devices become more accessible and lack strict regulations, there are growing concerns about their potential misuse and the need for proper oversight.

The release of the Thermonator comes amidst the increasing popularity of robot dogs, with models like Boston Dynamics' Spot gaining attention. However, the addition of a flamethrower to such a platform presents new risks. "The Thermonator has a range of up to 30 feet. While the business claims it is not a weapon, there are concerns about the dangers of such a device," stated a robotics expert familiar with the technology.

Key Takeaways

• Unitree unveils Thermonator, world's first flamethrowing robot dog
• Thermonator can shoot 30-ft fire stream, sold for $9,420 in US
• Flamethrowers are federally unregulated in US, raising misuse concerns
• Thermonator's limited battery life and fuel tank don't guarantee safety
• Experts warn about responsible development and oversight of such tech