Ever thought your spiritual guide could be… a robot?
In Tokyo, researchers at the University of Kyoto have unveiled “Buddharoid,” a two-legged AI monk trained on centuries of Buddhist scriptures.
It’s ready to dispense advice to the spiritually curious.
Designed to tackle questions people might feel too shy to ask humans.
The humanoid can even provide a presence at temples, chatting in a calming baritone.
“In the future, it is conceivable that they may assist with or replace some of the religious rituals traditionally performed by human monks,” the university said.
It hinted at a future where robots may share the monastery duties.
AI Spiritual Guide
The creation is the brainchild of professor Seiji Kumagai, who has previously developed AI spiritual guides like Buddha Bot.
For Buddharoid, he installed his updated “BuddhaBotPlus” software on a Chinese-made Unitree G1 robot.
This resulted in a humanoid that walks, folds its gloved hands in prayer, and offers guidance.
At a recent temple demo, Buddharoid advised a journalist worried about overthinking.
“Buddhism teaches that it is important not to blindly follow one’s thoughts or rush headlong into things.”Gentle words, delivered by a machine.
So, will this be the future of meditation and spiritual counsel, or just a high-tech curiosity?
Either way, it’s proof that even enlightenment is getting a digital upgrade.
