Japan Unveils AI-Powered Robot Monk Buddharoid

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Researchers at Kyoto University have introduced an AI-powered robot monk designed to offer spiritual guidance and potentially help address Japan’s shortage of clergy.

Nicknamed “Buddharoid,” the two-legged humanoid has been trained on a wide range of Buddhist scriptures, including complex and lesser-known texts. Developers say the robot can respond to sensitive personal questions — topics some individuals may hesitate to discuss with a human monk.

The project is led by Professor Seiji Kumagai from the university’s Institute for the Future of Human Society. By integrating advanced AI models from OpenAI and other developers, Kumagai previously created religious chatbots such as Buddha Bot. His latest innovation combines artificial intelligence with robotics.

For Buddharoid, Kumagai installed an upgraded “BuddhaBotPlus” system onto a Unitree G1 humanoid robot manufactured in China. During a recent media demonstration at a temple, the faceless robot appeared in a simple grey robe, pressing its gloved hands together in prayer while walking and interacting with attendees.

In one interaction, the robot offered calming advice to a journalist who admitted to overthinking. Speaking in a composed, steady tone, it explained that Buddhist teachings encourage people not to become consumed by their thoughts and to cultivate mental stillness.

Are artificial sweeteners secretly harming your brain?

Japan has previously experimented with robotic religious figures. Kyoto’s Kodaiji Temple features “Mindar,” a non-AI android that delivers sermons. However, Buddharoid marks a new step by merging real-time AI conversations with lifelike physical movements.

While AI-driven religious tools are gaining popularity worldwide, they remain controversial. Kyoto University acknowledged the need for ongoing ethical discussions about their appropriate role in spiritual settings.

With Japan’s ageing population and shrinking workforce, researchers believe humanoid robots could eventually assist with — or even perform — certain rituals traditionally conducted by human monks. If adopted widely, such technology could significantly reshape the future of religious practice.