Sarah Travers
Ohio-based company Throwflame has brought a unique fusion of technology and a hint of sci-fi to the market with the unveiling of the world’s first flame-throwing robotic canine, the “Thermonator.” Sporting an ARC flamethrower, this four-legged marvel can shoot flames soaring up to an impressive 9 meters (30 feet). But before visions of dystopia take hold, its creators emphasize that this fiery creation is tailored for benevolent purposes.
Priced at $9,420, with the added bonus of free shipping within the US, the Thermonator is operated remotely and boasts advanced laser sensors for navigating obstacles. Users can take the reins using a control pad that provides a first-person view via an onboard camera, ensuring precise control over its fiery capabilities. However, for now, human operators remain essential.
Despite its name evoking visions of a cybernetic assassin from a bleak future, Throwflame is quick to reassure potential buyers of the Thermonator’s intended applications. From wildfire management and prevention to agricultural upkeep, snow and ice removal, and even entertainment, the potential applications seem vast – and far less ominous than its namesake might suggest.
But it’s not just civilian consumers who might find interest in this fiery companion. Throwflame has also established a “Defense Procurement & Export” platform, catering to military interests globally. With its versatility and firepower, the Thermonator could potentially serve in various strategic capacities, though details remain undisclosed.
As for the legality of wielding such a fiery contraption, flamethrowers are surprisingly legal and minimally regulated in 48 out of 50 US states. Only Maryland and California have implemented restrictions, albeit with loopholes that allow for ownership. Throwflame confidently asserts on its website that shipping is likely feasible to most destinations, given the relaxed regulations.
This isn’t the first time a flamethrower-like apparatus has captured headlines. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk famously exploited similar legal loopholes with his Boring Company’s release of “NOT-A-FLAMETHROWER” blowtorch guns. Despite the tongue-in-cheek disclaimer, these gadgets found eager buyers, with reportedly 20,000 units sold at $500 each.
With the Thermonator now on the market, it remains to be seen how society will respond to the notion of flame-throwing robotic canines patrolling the streets. While its creators’ intentions appear benign, concerns over potential misuse or unintended consequences are understandable. As technology continues to blur the boundaries between fiction and reality, it’s imperative to approach such innovations with careful consideration and foresight. Whether the Thermonator heralds progress or serves as a cautionary example is yet to unfold.
