An artificially intelligent robot monk called a ‘Buddharoid’ has been unveiled by Japanese researchers who say it can provide spiritual guidance and could help fill the shortage of Buddhist monks in the future.
The project was developed based on Buddhist texts, including those considered more esoteric, explained the University of Kyoto, in western Japan. According to the institution, the robot is capable of answering even sensitive questions that some believers hesitate to ask a person.
Buddharoid is a small humanoid robot designed not only for dialogue, but also to provide a physical presence in places of worship. “In the future, it is possible that it will assist or replace certain religious rituals traditionally performed by monks,” the university sent, according to Agerpres.
Created by a researcher specializing in religion and technology
The robot is the latest invention of Seiji Kumagai, a professor at Kyoto University’s Institute for the Future of Human Society. He used models developed by the American company OpenAI (ChatGPT), but also other technologies, to previously create religious chatbots, such as the Buddha Bot, but also a catechism chatbot.
For Buddharoid, Kumagai integrated the BuddhaBotPlus system into a humanoid robot made in China.
During a presentation at a temple on Tuesday, the researcher showed the audience the device, still faceless, dressed in a simple gray robe and with gloved hands clasped in prayer. Sitting on a chair, the robot offered advice to a young local journalist concerned about his constant thoughts.
“Buddhism teaches us that we should not blindly follow our thoughts or rush,” he told the NHK reporter, his voice grave.One approach is to calm the mind and detach from that thought“.
Religious robots, between utility and controversy
Religious chatbots are already used in several religious traditions by millions of people, although controversies also arise about their role. In Kyoto, there is already the Mindar android, which delivers sermons, although it is not equipped with artificial intelligence, and in Germany, a robot that blesses the faithful in five languages was presented as early as 2017.
The new device combines artificial intelligence and robotics to provide spiritual guidance, religious conversations and human-like gestures.
Kyoto University emphasizes that the ethical debate on the use of such technologies must continue. However, in the context of Japan’s aging population and labor shortage, such humanoid robots may take over certain tasks in the future.
“Humanoid robots equipped with AI could be used in the religious sphere, for example to assist or perform certain rituals traditionally carried out by human priests“, the institution indicated. “This could bring about a profound change in religious culture.” the university added.
