Skip to main content

Buddhism is embracing technology with a cute little Buddha-bot

xianer buddhist robot screen shot 2016 04 24 at 2 12 17 pm
Image used with permission by copyright holder
It may be one of the oldest religions in the world, but that’s not stopping Buddhism from embracing innovation. In a fascinating marriage between tradition and technology, a Buddhist temple in China has welcomed a robot monk into its order with the hopes of attracting new practitioners with a tech-forward approach. Meet Xian’er, the baby robot monk designed to promote the wisdom of an old religion in a very new way.

Standing just two feet tall, the Budda-bot adheres to traditional aesthetic standards. Its head is shaved and it comes dressed in a yellow robe, but look a little closer, and you’ll see where the 21st century comes into play. Xian’er boasts a touchscreen on his chest, which helps him answer 20 questions about Buddhism and its associated lifestyle. The robot also boasts seven forms of mobility thanks to his wheels.

Recommended Videos

Master Xianfan, who created the bot, says that this integration of science and technology with spirituality is a natural alignment. “Science and Buddhism are not opposing nor contradicting, and can be combined and mutually compatible,” said Xianfan. Indeed, in a day and age in which we seem almost too connected and almost fettered by technological progress, it may be a good idea to take a step back. “Buddhism is something that attaches much importance to inner heart, and pays attention to the individual’s spiritual world,” Xianfan added. “It is a kind of elevated culture. Speaking from this perspective, I think it can satisfy the needs of many people.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The Xian’er robot itself is actually modeled after a character from yet another one of Buddhism’s experiments with digitization — a cartoon series called Trouble, You Seek for Yourself. Xianfan also masterminded this creative enterprise, which intends to “highlight and develop Buddhism’s connection with contemporary culture through new media,” according to CNTV.

Already, there are plans for further advances when it comes to Xian’er, with its home temple hard at work creating a new model that can carry an even greater number of functions. So if you’re looking for some spiritualism in your smartphone-driven life, you may want to take a closer look at Buddhism and the Xian’er robot.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more