The G1 humanoid robot developed by Chinese robotics company Unitree has taken part in a Buddhist ordination ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in South Korea, in what is believed to be the world’s first religious ritual involving a robot. During the ceremony, the 130-centimeter-tall robot was given the Dharma name Gabi and dressed in Buddhist robes while wearing a string of 108 prayer beads. Powered by an AI dialogue system, the robot responded “I am willing to take refuge” as it participated in traditional rites including repentance rituals and symbolic arm-burning stickers.
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism also reinterpreted the traditional Five Precepts for the AI era, adapting them into rules for robots: do not harm life, do not damage objects, do not defy humans, do not deceive, and do not overcharge. Temple officials said the move was intended to highlight the importance of building technology on principles of compassion and responsibility.
The ceremony has drawn attention online as a striking example of the intersection between ancient religious traditions and emerging technologies, while also fueling broader debate over the ethical boundaries of human-robot coexistence.
