This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
On February 23, 2019, the Kyoto Temple in Japan unveiled an android Buddhist deity named 'Minder' to assist people. This android, designed by Hiroshi Ishiguro, Professor of intelligent robotics at Osaka University, in collaboration with the Zen temple, is the main preacher at Kodaiji Temple.
Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
The Sh10 Billion project to assemble the android was a collaboration between the Zen temple and Hiroshi Ishiguro, Professor of intelligent robotics at Osaka University.
According to a report by Business Insider, another robot priest named 'Pepper' was unveiled by Japanese company Nisseieco Co. Ltd. This robot priest is programmed to help with tasks at Buddhist temples, including the reading of Buddhist scripture during funeral ceremonies.
Michio Inamura, the company's executive adviser, said the robot would be able to fulfill religious duties that are increasingly neglected in society, as donations to, as well as people affiliated with temples are in decline in the country.
Is the technology also venturing into the human-dominated religion? Where are Christian and Muslims learned minds? Can Tech embody the spiritual foundation of religion?
