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The Thermonator Robot Dog: A Closer Look
If you have been eagerly anticipating the release of the innovative flame-throwing robot announced by Ohio-based Throwflame last summer, your wait is finally over. The much-awaited Thermonator, hailed as the “first-ever flamethrower-wielding robot dog” by Throwflame, is now officially available for purchase. However, this revolutionary piece of technology comes with a hefty price tag of $9,420.
Key Features of the Thermonator
The Thermonator is not just your average robot; it is a quadruped marvel equipped with an ARC flamethrower mounted on its back. This cutting-edge machine can be fueled by gasoline or napalm and boasts an impressive array of features. These include a one-hour battery life, a 30-foot flame-throwing range, and advanced connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless smartphone control.
Moreover, the Thermonator comes equipped with a LIDAR sensor for precise mapping and obstacle avoidance, laser sighting capabilities, and first-person view (FPV) navigation facilitated by an onboard camera. Interestingly, the design seems to incorporate elements from the Unitree Go2 robot quadruped, which is sold separately for $1,600 in its base configuration.
Applications and Potential Uses
Throwflame has outlined a range of potential applications for the Thermonator, including wildfire control and prevention, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, as well as entertainment and special effects. However, it is essential to note that this robot primarily excels at setting things ablaze across various real-world scenarios.
Legality and Ethical Considerations
It is crucial to consider the legal and ethical implications of introducing such advanced technology into the market. In the past, flamethrowers have garnered significant attention, with Elon Musk’s Boring Company selling 10,000 units of their flamethrower within a mere 48 hours. However, concerns have been raised about the potential dual-use of flamethrowers as weapons or, in the worst-case scenario, as fire-starting devices.
While flamethrowers remain unregulated in 48 states in the US and are not classified as firearms by federal agencies, certain restrictions exist in states like Maryland and California. In Maryland, owning a flamethrower necessitates a Federal Firearms License, while California strictly limits the range of flamethrowers to 10 feet.
Given the inherent dangers associated with flamethrowers, including their potential to cause harm to individuals and property if mishandled, it is imperative to exercise caution when interacting with such devices. As a result, the Thermonator, despite its groundbreaking capabilities, may not be the most appropriate gift choice for the upcoming holiday season.
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