Story perspectives

AI Monk Buddharoid Offers Spiritual Guidance Amid Aging Society

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kyoto University researchers introduced Buddharoid, an AI-powered two-legged humanoid monk that dispenses spiritual advice from Buddhist scriptures.
Professor Seiji Kumagai developed Buddharoid using AI models and engineering expertise.
In a media presentation, Buddharoid offered calming guidance to a journalist and highlighted mindfulness.
The university notes Japan's aging population could increase AI's role in religious practices and spur ongoing ethical discussions.

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Story summary

Kyoto University researchers introduced Buddharoid, an AI-powered two-legged humanoid monk that dispenses spiritual advice from Buddhist scriptures.
Professor Seiji Kumagai developed Buddharoid using AI models and engineering expertise.
In a media presentation, Buddharoid offered calming guidance to a journalist and highlighted mindfulness.
The university notes Japan's aging population could increase AI's role in religious practices and spur ongoing ethical discussions.