Throwflame Introduces Thermonator: A Robot Dog with a Flamethrower Attachment

Throwflame, an Ohio-based company, has unveiled the Thermonator, a robot dog equipped with a flamethrower attachment. The Thermonator, announced on the company's website and social media on April 25, 2024, is the first-ever flame-throwing quadruped robot dog available for purchase by the general public and government agencies.

The Thermonator weighs under 40 pounds and features an ARC flamethrower mounted on its back, capable of projecting flames up to 30 feet (9 meters) with a one-hour battery life. The robot dog is remotely controllable via WiFi and Bluetooth, and its design integrates advanced technologies such as Lidar mapping, FPV navigation, instant ARC ignition, and a laser sighting system.

Throwflame suggests that the Thermonator can be used for various tasks, including wildfire management, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, and special effects in entertainment. The company has not explicitly spoken of combat capabilities, but the robot's potential use in armed conflict scenarios, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has been discussed.

Why this matters: The introduction of the Thermonator raises questions about the potential misuse of such technology and the lack of regulation surrounding flamethrower-equipped robots. As these devices become more accessible to the public, concerns about their safety and the potential for misuse in both civilian and military contexts are likely to grow.

The Thermonator is priced at $9,420, with customers in California receiving a smaller nozzle to comply with the state's regulations, resulting in a range of less than 10 feet. While flamethrowers are not specifically regulated in most US states, they can be dangerous and potentially start wildfires if not used safely. Throwflame states that the device is not marketed as a weapon but for utility purposes, although the announcement has sparked significant controversy and comparisons to dystopian scenarios portrayed in science fiction.

Key Takeaways

• Throwflame unveils Thermonator, a flamethrower-equipped robot dog for public sale.
• Thermonator can project flames up to 30 feet, with 1-hour battery life.
• Thermonator marketed for utility uses, but raises concerns about potential misuse.
• Flamethrowers not regulated in most US states, can be dangerous and start wildfires.
• Announcement sparks controversy, comparisons to dystopian sci-fi scenarios.