From nightmares: Robotic canine with a flame-thrower

Throwflame, a company specializing in electrically-powered flamethrowers, has unleashed the 'Thermonator' - a flamethrowing robotic canine. While it is true that commercial flamethrowers have various practical applications such as controlled agricultural burns, snow melting, and pest control, the Thermonator stands out in a blazing dystopia. Awakened from its rest, this relentless robotic creature is solely fixated on one objective: setting ablaze anything it encounters. The remarkable 'first-ever flamethrower-wielding robot dog' even performs an adorable little dance while unleashing a captivating stream of fire. Strictly intended for commercial purposes rather than military applications for now, interested individuals can join a waitlist to purchase the flamethrowing robot dog. Throwflame plans to commence shipping by the end of the year. 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.