Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to make its presence felt in the religious world, with robotic technology now being used to create monk-like figures capable of interacting with people and delivering religious teachings.
The trend has attracted global attention following the introduction of Buddharoid, an AI-powered robotic monk developed by researchers at Kyoto University in Japan. The project, led by Professor Seiji Kumagai of the Institute for the Future of Human Society, was unveiled around February.
Buddharoid was trained using centuries-old Buddhist texts and scriptures, while its monk-like robes were designed to create a more realistic psychological impression. The humanoid robot can also perform movements such as walking slowly, bowing respectfully and placing its hands together in the Buddhist prayer gesture known as gassho.
Researchers believe such technology could help address Japan’s shortage of monks amid its rapidly ageing population. South Korea later followed with its own robot, known as Gabi, which is believed to be the country’s first officially introduced religious robot.
The use of technology in religious education is not entirely new. China previously introduced an AI-powered robotic monk called Xian’er in 2016.
Today, AI is also being used to translate religious scriptures, digitise ancient manuscripts, analyse vast collections of religious texts and create online databases that make religious knowledge more accessible.
Such technology is also viewed as a way to engage younger generations who are increasingly familiar with smartphones, digital games and AI assistants. Robot monks, chatbots and online platforms could make religious teachings easier to access, particularly in societies experiencing demographic changes and ageing religious communities.
However, the rise of robotic monks has also raised questions over whether AI could eventually take on some of the roles traditionally performed by religious leaders.
Historian and religious studies scholar Jack Meng Tat Chia of the National University of Singapore said robots could not possess faith with the sincerity of a human being.
“Robots cannot replace faith and religion because they do not have a soul, emotions or genuine consciousness. Religion requires authentic human life experiences,” he said.
While a robot can be programmed to bow before a Buddhist statue, it cannot genuinely experience inner peace or moral conflict when confronted with difficult decisions.
Experts also emphasise the importance of human relationships in religious life. A monk does not simply answer questions about religion but can also provide emotional support to people experiencing grief, loss or hardship.
Although AI can generate comforting words and simulate empathy, experts argue that it does not actually experience pain, love or sadness in the way humans do.
As a result, AI-powered religious robots are likely to remain more useful as tools for supporting religious education and spreading knowledge, rather than replacing human religious leaders.
