With the rise of A.I., the idea that the “robots are going to take over the world” has become a relatively common refrain. Given this, there’s been much discussion from the technology sector about putting limits on A.I.’s use, or adjusting the data inputted into an A.I. to make sure it still likes us by the time it reaches sentience.


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In contrast, these people gave a robot a flamethrower.



For just $9,420, you can own a Thermonator — which the company ThrowFlame is calling “the first-ever flamethrower-wielding robot dog.”


In short, this is a remote control quadruped armed with an ARC Flamethrower, which the company says can be used to manage wildlife and agriculture, remove snow or scare the shit out of your nephew (okay, that last one was added by me, but I’m not wrong here).



While the company may insist that this machine has practical usefulness, I just don’t buy it. To me, this screams more “end times” than “an easy way to defrost your car.” That said, it does have a one-hour battery and a range of just 30 feet, so I’m sure you can outrun it given enough time.


If you’ve got 10 grand kicking around and don’t know what to do with it, I suppose there are worse ways to spend your money. After all, if the robo-war ever actually breaks out, you’re going to want a few of these on your side.