The world’s first fire-breathing robot dog

Throwflame, a company based in the US, introduced the Thermonator dog robot with the ability to spray fire 9 meters away, Interesting Engineering reported on April 24. Throwflame introduces this as the world’s first robot dog of its kind and is priced at 9,420 USD.

Thermonator is a 4-legged robot, equipped with enough battery to operate for one hour. It works with First-Person View (FPV) mode with built-in camera. FPV allows the operator to see what the robot observes in real time, currently used in many types of drones.

Another interesting feature of the robot dog is the use of LiDAR technology for navigation. LiDAR uses laser pulses to accurately and continuously measure distance to a given target or area. LiDAR sensors are light-based mapping and measurement tools that are extremely useful in many different fields. According to Throwflame, LiDAR also helps robots avoid obstacles and operate in remote areas.

Thermonator uses a compact and electrically powered ARC flamethrower. Video on Throwflame’s website shows the robot dog running and jumping across a variety of terrain, from forests to snow-covered ground, while breathing fire. Weighing about 17 kg, the robot can be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Some applications of the fire-breathing robot dog proposed by Throwflame are forest fire prevention and control, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal and entertainment. However, flamethrowers can easily ignite, causing fire and damage if not used appropriately and safely.

Thu Thao (According to Interesting Engineering)