Flamethrower Robot Dog, Thermonator, Available for Purchase

Ohio-based company Throwflame has released a new product that is turning heads – a four-legged robot dog equipped with a flamethrower. The Thermonator, as it is called, is being marketed as the “first-ever flamethrowing quadruped robot dog” and has the ability to blast fire up to 30 feet away with just a tap on a smartphone.

But why would anyone need a flamethrowing robot dog, you may ask? According to Throwflame, the Thermonator can be used for a variety of purposes such as removing ice and snow, controlling and preventing wildfires, and aiding in agricultural management efforts. The robot uses lidar technology to map its surroundings and navigate around obstacles.

While the idea of a fire-blasting robot may seem concerning, the National Park Service describes a method of wildfire management called prescribed burns that Thermonator could potentially assist with. However, Throwflame has not disclosed any specific uses of the robot by public agencies.

The Thermonator comes with a hefty price tag of $9,420 but is legal to own in 48 U.S. states. This is not the first time flamethrowers have caused a stir – Elon Musk’s The Boring Company marketed flamethrowers in 2018, resulting in legal consequences for some buyers.

Despite the potential legal and safety repercussions, the Thermonator is available for purchase through Throwflame via check, direct bank transfer, or even Bitcoin. With no security checks in place at the time of writing, it seems that owning a flamethrowing robot dog may be easier than one would think.