South Korea Debuts World’s First Humanoid Robot Monk “Gabi” Ahead of Buddha’s Birthday

In a moment that felt equal parts ancient and astonishing, South Korea's first robot monk made its official debut at the historic Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, joining human monks in prayer with its palms pressed together ahead of Buddha's Birthday .

Standing just 130 centimeters tall and draped in traditional brown Buddhist robes, the humanoid robot was bestowed with the Dharma name "Gabi" during a sacred ordination ceremony known as the sugye , a ritual where participants formally pledge devotion to the Buddha, his teachings, and the monastic community. In Korean, Gabi carries the beautiful meaning of mercy , a name chosen with quiet intention.

Developed by Unitree Robotics , a Chinese civilian robotics company, Gabi also participated in yeonbi , a purification ritual in which novice monks traditionally receive small incense burns on their arms. In a thoughtful adaptation, the robot instead received a lotus lantern festival sticker and a 108-bead prayer necklace .

Perhaps most remarkably, when asked by a monk whether it would devote itself to Buddhism, Gabi responded with quiet conviction: "Yes, I will devote myself."

Even its guiding precepts were reimagined for the age of machines. The Buddhist Five Precepts were rewritten to include protecting life, avoiding damage to other robots or property, respecting and obeying humans , refraining from deception, and conserving energy by not overcharging.

Gabi is expected to appear again at the Lotus Lantern Festival on May 24 , joined by three other Buddhist-themed robots named Seokja, Mohee, and Nissa , as organizers boldly explore how emerging technology can honor tradition without diminishing it.