Meet Buddharoid: Japan’s AI-powered robot monk trained in centuries of Buddhist scripture
By Theo Farrant & AFP Published on 25/02/2026 – 17:12 GMT+1 As Japan grapples with an ageing population and shrinking workforce, researchers in Kyoto are turning to artificial intelligence to fill an unlikely gap: Buddhist monks. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Scientists at Kyoto University have unveiled an AI-powered robot monk designed to offer spiritual guidance, answer some of life’s biggest …