Kyoto University develops AI monk robot equipped with Buddhist scriptures

KYOTO – Kyoto University unveiled on Tuesday a robot monk with built-in artificial intelligence that was trained on Buddhist scriptures, hoping it will be able to aid or act on behalf of monks during certain religious services.

A research team at the university showcased the so-called Buddharoid at the Shoren-in temple in Kyoto Prefecture to reporters. At the event, it responded to questions and put its palms together.