South Korea has just unveiled Ven. Hyean, its first 'AI monk,' tasked with emotional healing and managing daily operations at temples.
Korean Buddhism is embracing advanced robotics technology with the debut of its first AI-powered "monk." Named Ven. Hyean (meaning "eye of truth"), the robot was created earlier this year by the AI-powered Robotics Innovation Research Center at Dongguk University.
When asked about the definition of compassion during a recent demonstration, the AI robot replied: "It is feeling the pain of all beings as if it were your own. That is the boundless, unconditional compassion in Buddhism ." Blinking its "eyes" on the screen, the machine slowly clasped its two mechanical hands together in a traditional gesture.
Ven. Hyean moves on a wheeled base and has arms programmed to mimic the slow, measured gestures of a monk.
Although outwardly resembling patrol robots at government offices or airports, Hyean's internal system is trained based on a vast database of Buddhist scriptures, sermons, and lectures.
Religious experts at Dongguk University verified the data to ensure theological accuracy.
Professor Lim Joong-yeon of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Energy, who led the project, said: "This is a robot optimized for the specific space of temples and the rules of ascetic practice."
Hyean uses AI technology on its devices, allowing for local data processing without an internet connection. This enables the robots to operate seamlessly even in remote mountain temples where communication signals are unstable.
Regarding future career prospects, Hyean could work as a tour guide, answering questions and providing advice to visitors.
The robot is expected to expand its public presence, attending mandatory meditation classes at Dongguk University and appearing at Buddha's Birthday events this coming May.
In addition to providing spiritual guidance, the robot also handles manual labor. During the day, Hyean works as a kitchen assistant and helps clean the halls. At night, the machine connects with security cameras to perform night watch duties.
Professor Lim hopes that through the "AI monk," the younger generation will find Buddhism more accessible and appealing. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not technical perfection, but emotional healing.
In response to the question of whether machines can truly learn Buddhist theology and attain Nirvana, the professor argued that AI could become humanity's "warmest tool."
"Technically, answering human questions 0.1 seconds faster is a technological breakthrough. However, in the realm of religion, 'creative silence'—nodding and quietly listening—is more comforting than hundreds of words. Through 'Master Hyean,' I want to show how humans and robots form a religious bond," Lim shared.
(According to Korea Times)