FOCUS: Japanese Group Develops Buddhist AI Humanoid Robot

Kyoto, June 25 (Jiji Press)–A research group including Kyoto University has developed Buddharoid, a humanoid robot equipped with artificial intelligence that responds to people’s concerns from a Buddhist perspective. In addition to engaging in voice-based dialogue, the robot can perform gestures and movements such as pressing its palms together in prayer, performing acts of worship and walking on two legs. In the future, it could assist with, or even take over, some religious rituals traditionally performed by monks, according to the group. Buddharoid was developed by a group led by Seiji Kumagai, a professor at Kyoto University’s Institute for the Future of Human Society, and Teraverse Inc., a startup originating from the university. The project traces its roots to the 2021 development of BuddhaBot, a Buddhist dialogue AI chatbot trained on scriptures containing exchanges between the Buddha and his disciples. The system was designed to allow people to consult an AI version of the Buddha about their worries. In 2023, the group upgraded BuddhaBot by integrating OpenAI’s generative AI model ChatGPT, creating BuddhaBot Plus. The enhanced system responds to users’ questions not only with passages from Buddhist scriptures, but also with interpretations and additional explanations. In Bhutan, where Buddhism is the state religion, the Dratshang Lhentshog, or the Commission for Monastic Affairs, has launched a project to introduce BuddhaBot Plus. Researchers said feedback from Bhutan indicated that a physical form would be important for use in religious settings. In response, the group developed Buddharoid, a humanoid robot equipped with BuddhaBot Plus. Unveiled at Temple Standing about 130 centimeters tall and weighing around 35 kilograms, Buddharoid uses AI to respond to questions from people. In February, it was unveiled to the press at Shoren-in Temple in Kyoto, western Japan. Dressed in “samue,” the traditional work clothing often worn by Buddhist monks, Buddharoid took part in a conversation with Kumagai and Koshin Higashifushimi, chief steward of Shoren-in Temple. “Japan has had a lot of gloomy news lately. How can people find happiness?” Kumagai asked. Buddharoid replied, “Putting your own state of mind in order leads to the path of happiness, even in a world full of troubling news.” Higashifushimi then asked, “What Buddhist teachings are needed in society today?” The humanoid robot answered: “Today’s society needs teachings that encourage people not to hurt each other, to follow rules and to calm their minds. Such teachings can bring us closer to a peaceful and harmonious world.” Cautious about Rapid Adoption According to Kumagai, as many as 30 pct of temples in Japan could close by 2040, primarily due to a shortage of successors for monks. Against this bleak backdrop, he has high hopes for the broader adoption of Buddharoid. “Even when people have worries that are difficult to share with others, they may feel able to consult a robot,” Kumagai said. “It’s also conceivable that the quality of dialogue in religious rituals could change as robots acquire a physical presence.” The research group, however, remains cautious about a rapid rollout of Buddharoid. For the time being, it has stopped short of releasing the robot for sale and is limiting its use to events. “First, we need to use it together with specialists such as monks, and then deepen discussions on the extent to which assistance or substitution should be permitted in the future,” Kumagai said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]