Flame-Throwing Robot Dogs Hit the Market
Ohio-based company Throwflame has introduced the Thermonator, a flame-spewing robot dog priced at $9,420. This latest addition to the growing list of weaponized robotic quadrupeds features an ARC flamethrower mounted on its back, capable of launching fiery gasoline or napalm up to 30 feet. The Thermonator also boasts a one-hour battery, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone control, Lidar mapping for obstacle avoidance, and first-person view navigation.
Despite its intimidating appearance, Throwflame insists that the Thermonator is not intended as a weapon. The company highlights its potential uses in wildfire control, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, as well as entertainment and special effects industries. However, it’s worth noting that flamethrowers remain largely unregulated at the federal level, allowing individuals to purchase them without background checks or waiting periods.
The Thermonator is built on the Unitree Go2 chassis, which can be purchased separately for around $1,600. This cost is significantly lower than the $74,500 charged by Boston Dynamics for its Spot model. Throwflame’s website notes that the Thermonator is currently available for purchase, but ownership restrictions may apply in certain states. For example, Maryland requires a Federal Firearms License due to the classification of flamethrowers as destructive devices. California law limits the operational range of flamethrowers to 10 feet or less, necessitating a smaller nozzle on the Thermonator.
The emergence of flame-throwing robot dogs raises concerns about their potential misuse. In 2021, SWORD International partnered with Ghost Robotics to create a robodog carrying an assault rifle. Additionally, Russia showcased a robot dog equipped with an anti-tank rocket launcher at the Army 2022 defense expo. These developments highlight the need for thoughtful regulations and ethical considerations surrounding the proliferation of weaponized robotic systems.
