Robot dogs have indeed emerged as a notable technology in military settings. Since 2020, the U.S. military has employed these robotic canines for a wide range of tasks, including bolstering perimeter security at installations and responding to various threats such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.
Certainly, the integration of a flamethrower represents the latest addition to a growing list of potential weapon systems that can be mounted on robotic dogs. During the 2021 Association of the U.S. Army annual convention,
Ghost Robotics showcased a robot dog equipped with a Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle. Additionally, in August of the same year, a robot dog with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher affixed to it made an appearance in Russia. Furthermore, a video surfaced from China last year, displaying a robotic dog armed with a light machine gun.
It appears improbable that the Thermonator would find its way onto a battlefield in the future. For now, let's hope that those who acquire a flamethrower-equipped robot dog have a genuine and essential need.
