South Korea’s robot monk Gabi joins a Buddhist ceremony and takes vows at a temple

A humanoid robot named Gabi took part in a Buddhist initiation ceremony at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple.

Dressed as a monk, Gabi joined prayers, took vows, and received a Dharma name in a symbolic ritual.

The ceremony adapted Buddhist precepts for the robot ahead of Buddha’s Birthday and the Lotus Lantern Festival.

The event highlights how religious institutions are testing robots and AI while trying to preserve tradition.