A company based in the US has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in robotics with the creation of the Thermonator, touted as “the first-ever flamethrower-wielding robot dog.” Developed by Throwflame, an Ohio-based company, the Thermonator boasts the ability to shoot flames up to 30 feet, alongside features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and a one-hour battery life.
According to a report by The Guardian, Throwflame describes the Thermonator as “your ultimate firepower companion,” highlighting its potential applications in wildlife control and prevention, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, as well as entertainment and special effects.
The price tag for this cutting-edge robot dog is set at $9,420, equivalent to approximately Rs 7.86 lakh. Among its features are lidar mapping for elevation data, laser sights, and the ability to navigate around obstacles.
However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the invention. Social media users were quick to share their thoughts after the Thermonator’s release, with some drawing parallels to the cautionary tales depicted in the television series “Black Mirror,” particularly referencing the 2017 episode “Metalhead,” which explores the consequences of new technologies.
Questions about safety and potential hazards also emerged, with one user raising concerns about the risk of wildfires or accidental property damage.
In the US, flamethrowers are generally legal across the country, except in Maryland. In California, however, a permit from the state fire authority is required for flamethrowers with a range exceeding 10 feet.
This unveiling comes on the heels of Tecno’s introduction of a robot dog named Dynamic 1 earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. Modelled after a German Shepherd and equipped with artificial intelligence, Dynamic 1 is envisioned as a “perfect pet-like companion for the future.”
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