Robot "monks"

The era of technology 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI) has created many robots with the function of comforting human souls, like monks.

A robot "monk" named Mindar is working at a temple in Kyoto, Japan. (Source: Geek)

This robot has been chanting sutras for temple-goers at a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan for the past few years.

With a face made of silicon synthetic skin and camera “eyes,” the robot uses AI to communicate with pilgrims and chant blessings for them in Japanese, with English and Chinese translations for foreign visitors.

Mindar's face, hands, and shoulders are covered in silicone skin, while the rest of the robot's body is clearly visible, with wiring hidden inside the robot's skull.

The robot "monk" named Mindar is about 1.8m tall and was designed by researcher Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University, Japan, at a cost of nearly 1 million USD.

This robot is genderless. It can move its head, arms, and torso and speaks in a soothing voice, preaching about compassion and the dangers of anger and instinctive passions.

“Let go of your selfish ego... Worldly desires are like a man lost at sea,” the robot reminded worshippers.

Similar to the robot "monk" Mindar, the robot named "Theological Operator" (SanTO) by robotics expert Gabriele Trovato acts like a Catholic priest, allowing churchgoers to ask questions related to the faith.

“The main function of the SanTO robot is to be a prayer assistant, especially for the elderly. Its memory contains a large amount of teachings, including the entire Bible,” said Mr. Trovato, an associate professor at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan.

“The design of the SanTO robot incorporates elements of art, including the golden ratio, to convey the feeling of a sacred object, consistent with its function,” said the associate professor.

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