Kyoto University has introduced a robotic monk, the “Buddha Robot Plus,” to address Japan’s shortage of Buddhist priests amid an aging population.

Built on Chinese Unitree hardware and powered by ChatGPT, the robot moves with the deliberate gestures of a monk and uses deep learning on Buddhist texts to provide real-time spiritual guidance.

Unlike earlier AI models, it can generate context-sensitive answers on topics like suffering, desire, and personal challenges, while performing rituals with solemn, lifelike movements.

The robot is intended both as a supplement for religious ceremonies and as a “safe listener” for people hesitant to confide in human priests, offering companionship and guidance in a society where many live alone, Gasgoo has reported.

Beyond practicality, the project raises philosophical questions about whether a non-human monk might convey Buddhist wisdom with greater constancy and detachment than a human counterpart.