Robot "monks"

The era of Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI) has created quite a few robots with the function of comforting the human soul, much like monks.

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

This robot has been chanting prayers for worshippers at a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, for the past few years.

With a face made of synthetic silicone skin and camera "eyes," this robot uses AI to communicate with pilgrims and chant blessings for them in Japanese, with translations into English and Chinese for foreign visitors.

Mindar's face, hands, and shoulders are covered in a layer of silicone skin, while the mechanical parts are clearly visible in the rest of the robot's body. The robot's skull contains a wiring system.

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

This robot is gender-neutral. It can move its head, arms, and torso, and speak in a gentle voice, preaching about compassion as well as the dangers of anger and the desires of instinct.

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

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

"The main function of the SanTO robot is to act as a prayer assistant, especially for the elderly," said Trovato, an associate professor at the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan. "Its memory contains a vast amount of teaching, including the entire Bible."

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

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nhung-nha-tu-hanh-robot-258507.html