Gabi, a humanoid robot, was ordained as a monk in Seoul, symbolizing compassion and marking a new era of coexistence between humans and machines.
In a groundbreaking event on May 6, a humanoid robot named Gabi was ordained as a monk at the Jogye Temple in Seoul, marking a unique moment ahead of Buddha's birthday. Standing at 130 centimeters, Gabi donned a traditional grey-and-brown robe during the ceremony.
Created by the Chinese firm Unitree Robotics, Gabi symbolizes compassion, as its name reflects. Monk Son Won, who led the initiative, explained that the name was chosen for its simplicity and significance in conveying Buddha's compassion globally.
During the ceremony, Gabi took part in traditional rituals, including taking an oath to uphold Buddhist teachings. It was programmed to bow, fold its hands, and respond to questions posed by the monks, demonstrating its commitment to its new role.
In lieu of traditional incense burning, Gabi wore a necklace of 108 beads and had a sticker placed on its arm. Additionally, the ceremony featured a modern twist, as Gabi was equipped with a revised version of the Buddhist precepts tailored for robots, which included directives like not harming life and conserving energy.
Son Won emphasized that this event represents an early step toward integrating machines into cultural and spiritual practices, reflecting a vision of coexistence between humans and robots. Gabi is set to participate in a festival later this month alongside fellow robots Sokja, Mohee, and Nissa.
