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Sure, many peoples’ science-fiction-based concerns aren’t exactly, well, rational. However, with the rapid adoption of AI and modern robots, level-headed academics and sci-fi alarmists alike are understandably worried about safety and the future. Unfortunately, the internet freaks out when it sees something like the “Thermonator” robot dog, and its– get this– onboard flamethrower.

It’s true. The appropriately-named “Thermonator” is a robot dog with a top-mounted flamethrower. Moreover, as shocking as it might sound, the 37-lb flamethrowing quadruped robot dog is legal in 48 states and costs near-as-makes-no-difference $10,000.

The dog works by using a top-mounted ARC flamethrower to cast flames up to 30 feet from the unit. What’s more, the not-so-cuddly robot dog is WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled. However, don’t expect your flame-shooting pupper to run on dog food. It’s an onboard battery unit with just one hour of usability. 

Still, the Thermonator isn’t a weapon. At least that’s what “Throwflame,” the company behind the hot dog, asserts. No, no. Throwflame claims the flame-spouting robot dog shines at many tasks, none of which involve violence. In fact, Throwflame claims the Thermonator can aid in agricultural tasks and emergency functions like wildland firefighting.

  • Wildfire Control/Prevention
  • Agricultural Management
  • Ecological Conservation
  • Snow and Ice Removal
  • Entertainment
The Thermonator flamethrower robot dog walks around in the woods.
The Thermonator | Throwflame

Of course, the Thermonator is far from the most mind-blowingly dangerous non-military drone or robot technology. In China, some organizations will use flamethrower-equipped drones to burn obstacles. In fact, one such drone is being used by Blue Sky Rescue and the villagers outside of Chongqing to incinerate giant wasp nests in the area, per AP News. 

It brings to mind Jeff Goldblum’s lines in “Jurassic Park.” “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” But I guess we won’t worry about Thermonator until it travels back in time to kill Sarah Connor. Sci-fi quips aside, check out a video of the flame-shooting dog below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).