Humanoid robots are usually built to assist humans in factories, offices, hospitals or restaurants. But in South Korea, one robot is taking a very different route, straight into the world of spirituality. A Buddhist temple in Seoul has introduced a humanoid robot monk called “Gabi” and yes, it can bow, chant and even take Buddhist vows. The four-foot-tall robot made its public appearance during a Buddhist ceremony at Jogye Temple in Seoul ahead of Buddha’s Birthday celebrations. Dressed in traditional monk robes, Gabi stood alongside monks, joined rituals and responded to questions during the ceremony.
According to local reports, the Jogye Order, which is South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, introduced Gabi as part of its effort to modernise Buddhism and connect with younger generations growing up in a digital-first world. Built using China’s Unitree G1 humanoid robot platform, Gabi has a human-like body structure that allows it to walk, gesture and participate in ceremonies. During the ritual, monks asked whether it would devote itself to Buddha and Buddhist teachings. Gabi replied: “Yes, I will devote myself,” according to The New York Times.
The robot also bowed during prayers, circled a pagoda and received a 108-bead Buddhist rosary, much like the human participants attending the event.
Reports suggest “Gabi” combines references to Siddhartha, the birth name of Gautam Buddha and the Korean word “jabi”, which translates to mercy or compassion. Temple monks reportedly chose the name carefully so it would sound approachable while still reflecting Buddhist values.
The temple has even created a special set of Buddhist guidelines for the robot. These include respecting life, avoiding harm to humans or robots, not speaking deceptively and, rather practically, not overcharging its battery.
What makes this even more interesting is that these guidelines were reportedly drafted with help from AI tools likeChatGPTand Gemini.
AI And Spirituality Are Slowly Crossing Paths
A few weeks earlier, researchers at Kyoto University in Japan introduced another AI-powered robot called “Buddharoid”. The system was designed to interact with visitors, answer spiritual questions and learn Buddhist teachings in real time. Researchers behind the project reportedly said the goal was to explore how AI could help preserve religious teachings, especially as Japan faces a shortage of younger clergy members. Back in Seoul, Gabi is expected to appear in the upcoming Buddha’s Birthday lantern parades alongside other Buddhist-themed robots.
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