A Dog Jumping and Wielding a 'Flamethrower'... "It's No Different from a Weapon" Controversy

Manufacturer Introduces "Robot Dog Wielding Flamethrower"
"Concerns Over Potential Weaponization"

Sales have begun in the United States for a dog-shaped robot equipped with a flamethrower. The manufacturer introduced the robot as useful for tasks such as melting snow, but some have raised concerns about its potential weaponization.

On the 23rd (local time), foreign media including Fox News reported that Throwflame, the oldest flamethrower manufacturer in the U.S., started selling a robot dog named "Thermonator" on the 19th. The price is $9,420 (approximately 13 million KRW).

Thermonator shooting fire. [Image source=Throw Flame YouTube]

The manufacturer promotes the Thermonator as the "first robot dog wielding a flamethrower." The Thermonator can shoot flames about 10 meters through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth remote control. It can be used for one hour on a full charge and is equipped with features such as jumping and obstacle avoidance.

In videos released by the manufacturer, the Thermonator is shown jumping while shooting flames from the flamethrower. In dark environments, it also turns on lights and lasers.

[Image source=Throwflame YouTube]

The manufacturer explained that the Thermonator can be used for wildfire control and prevention, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, and special effects.

However, some have pointed out the high possibility of the Thermonator being used as a weapon. Netizens also reacted with comments such as, "Seeing a robot like that is really scary. You never know how it might be used," "It would only take a moment for a robot dog to turn into a weapon that kills people," and "It's basically a weaponized robot."

In fact, the manufacturer has already hinted at the military potential of the Thermonator on its website. At the bottom of the homepage, it says "Contact us for bulk purchases" and displays the U.S. military logo. In response, military specialist publication The War Zone pointed out, "Considering the intense battles happening worldwide, such as in Ukraine, it won't take long for the Thermonator or similar products to be used on the battlefield."

Meanwhile, the manufacturer stated that the product was legally made to avoid federal regulation and is not considered a firearm by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), so there is no issue with sales. However, possession of flamethrowers is currently regulated in some states, including Maryland and California.