Produced by: Tarun Mishra
A US-based company has introduced the Thermonator, hailed as the "first-ever flamethrower-wielding robot dog".
The robot dog, developed by Throwflame in Ohio, boasts the ability to shoot flames up to 30 feet, equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and offers a one-hour battery life.
Described as the "ultimate firepower companion," the Thermonator finds potential use in various fields, including wildlife control, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, as well as entertainment and special effects.
Interested buyers can acquire the Thermonator for $9,420 (approximately Rs 7.86 lakh), with features such as lidar mapping, laser sights, and obstacle avoidance.
Following its release, social media users expressed mixed opinions, with some drawing parallels to the dystopian themes of the television series Black Mirror and raising concerns about safety and potential wildfire risks.
Flamethrowers are generally legal across the US, except in Maryland. In California, however, a permit from the state fire authority is required for flamethrowers with a range exceeding 10 feet.
Earlier this year, Tecno unveiled Dynamic 1, an AI-powered robot dog resembling a German Shepherd, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, positioning it as a futuristic pet-like companion.
The introduction of the Thermonator adds a unique dimension to the field of robotics, offering a blend of innovation and practical utility, albeit raising ethical and safety considerations among the public.