Appearance of the flamethrower ‘Thermonator’. Video capture from YouTube channel ‘Throwflame’
A dog-shaped robot equipped with a flamethrower is being sold in the United States. The manufacturer explained that this robot can be useful for agricultural management such as weed removal, but some have raised concerns about its weaponization.
According to Fox 8 News on the 23rd (local time), Throwflame, a flamethrower manufacturer headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, launched a robot named ‘Thermonator’ in the third quarter of last year.
Appearance of the flamethrower ‘Thermonator’. Video capture from YouTube channel ‘Throwflame’
Thermonator, a four-legged walking robot, can walk at high speeds and has functions such as mapping and obstacle avoidance. Measure object distance and shape using cameras and lasers. When fully charged, it can be used for up to 1 hour. The flamethrower attached to its back shoots fire up to 10 meters away. It is possible to remotely control a smartphone using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The manufacturer explained that the thermonator can be used for wildlife control, agriculture, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, and special effects. The Thermonator, which has been officially sold since the 19th, costs $9,420 (about 13 million won) per unit.
Appearance of the flamethrower ‘Thermonator’. Video capture from YouTube channel ‘Throwflame’
In the video released by the manufacturer, the thermonator shoots flames while running over snow and grass. In dark environments, it moves around using lights and lasers to explore its surroundings.
Due to its powerful performance, some have raised concerns about its weaponization. The War Zone, a military media outlet, said, “If the Thermonator has powerful autonomous functions, it will be considered very attractive on the battlefield,” and added, “It will be terrifying to deal with the Thermonator rushing into the trenches.”
He predicted, “Considering the fierce battles taking place in Ukraine and other parts of the world, it will not take very long for the Thermonator or similar products to be used on the battlefield.”
In relation to this, the manufacturer stated its position, “Flame throwers are tools that are not subject to federal regulation, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) does not consider them firearms.” Regarding the regulation of possession of flamethrowers in some states, such as Maryland and California, he explained, “Customers are responsible for not violating local laws and regulations.”
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com Reporter [email protected]
