Researchers in Japan have introduced an AI-powered robot monk that they believe could offer spiritual guidance and possibly help address the shortage of human monks in the future. Developed by Kyoto University, the robot has been trained on complex Buddhist scriptures and is designed to answer personal or sensitive questions that people might feel uncomfortable discussing with others.
The robot, known as “Buddharoid,” is a small two-legged humanoid that can not only communicate through voice but also create a physical presence in temples and religious spaces. The university said that in the future, such robots might assist with or even take over some religious rituals that are traditionally performed by human monks.
The project was led by Professor Seiji Kumagai from Kyoto University’s Institute for the Future of Human Society. Using artificial intelligence models from OpenAI and other sources, he previously worked with engineering companies to create religious AI chatbots such as Buddha Bot and a catechism bot. For this latest project, he installed an upgraded version called “BuddhaBotPlus” into a Chinese-made Unitree G1 humanoid robot to create the AI monk.
During a media demonstration at a temple, Kumagai presented the robot, which does not yet have a face and was dressed in a simple grey robe. The robot placed its gloved hands together in a prayer gesture, walked in front of reporters, and carried out basic movements. While sitting on a chair, it offered advice to a young journalist who admitted to overthinking and worrying too much. In a calm, deep voice, the robot explained that Buddhism teaches people not to blindly follow their thoughts or act too quickly, and suggested calming the mind and letting go of unnecessary thoughts.
AI-powered religious chatbots are already widely used across different faiths, although they remain a topic of debate. Kyoto has previously introduced a non-AI android named Mindar that delivers sermons, and in Germany in 2017, a robot with glowing hands and a touchscreen was unveiled to give blessings in five languages.
However, this new robot combines both artificial intelligence and physical movement, allowing it to hold spiritual conversations while also behaving in a human-like manner. Kyoto University noted that ethical discussions about the proper use of such technology in religious environments must continue.
At the same time, with Japan’s ageing and shrinking population putting pressure on the workforce, the university believes that AI humanoid robots could eventually take on some roles in religious settings. It said this development could lead to a major shift in religious culture in the future.
