A Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Beijing, China, revealed earlier this week a robot monk that can chant Buddhist mantras, move via voice command and hold a simple conversation.
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Named Xian'er, the 60-cm (2-foot) tall robot resembles a cartoon-like novice monk in yellow robes with a shaven head, holding a touch screen on his chest.
Xian'er can hold a conversation by answering about 20 simple questions related to Buddhism and daily life, and perform seven types of motions on his wheels.
Master Xianfan, Xian'er's creator, said the robot monk was the perfect vessel for spreading the wisdom of Buddhism in China through the fusion of science and spirituality.
"Science and Buddhism are not opposing nor contradicting, and can be combined and mutually compatible," said Xianfan.
Robot monk Xian'er is pictured during its demonstration for a photo opportunity at Longquan Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Beijing, April 20, 2016 | Photo: Reuters
While under the careful watch of China's officially atheist Communist Party, religion has slowly crept back into daily life over the last few decades.
Xianfan said Buddhism filled a gap for people in a fast-changing, smart-phone dominated society.
"Buddhism is something that attaches much importance to inner heart, and pays attention to the individual's spiritual world," he said.
"It is a kind of elevated culture. Speaking from this perspective, I think it can satisfy the needs of many people."
The little robot monk was developed as a joint project between a technology company and artificial intelligence experts from some of China's top universities.
It was unveiled to the public in October.
Xian'er was inspired by Xianfan's 2013 cartoon creation of the same name. The temple has produced cartoon animations, published comic anthologies and even sold merchandise featuring the cartoon monk.