Development of Buddhist AI Humanoid Robot ‘Buddharoid’ – Enabling Face-to-Face Interaction with a Buddhist AI Possessing Physicality –

A research and development group led by Professor Seiji Kumagai (Professor of Kyoto University’s Research Institute for the Future of Human and Society, i.e., IFoHS) and Mr. Toshikazu Furuya (CEO of Teraverse Co., Ltd.) has developed a range of Buddhist AI technologies, including various Buddhist chatbots and Buddhist AR (augmented reality) applications. 

At the same time, achieving a sense of physical embodiment — absent from chatbots and AR systems — emerged as a key challenge. Therefore, the research and development group began developing humanoid robots.

In Christianity, robots modeled after religious figures and transcendent beings already exist, such as a nun (ClémenCE) and an angel (CelesTE). In Buddhism, there have also been development cases of robots modeled after the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Mindar) and a chanting monk (Pepper). Some robots are equipped with dialogue functions. (Kristina Eiviler, “Robots and Religions,” University of Zurich – Kyoto University Symposium 2026, Zurich: University of Zurich, February 6, 2026. *Oral presentation).

However, religious AI humanoid robots capable of bipedal walking, achieving full-body movements close to humans, and conducting natural verbal dialogue in face-to-face environments involving physical contact have not yet been reported at this time.

 

Kyoto University’s Kumagai Lab, Teraverse Co., Ltd. and XNOVA Inc. (CEO: Takashi Hattori) have therefore jointly developed the Buddhist AI humanoid robot ‘Buddharoid.’ Built on the ‘Unitree G1’ humanoid robot manufactured by Unitree Robotics (Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China), it is equipped with the BuddhaBot-Plus system. The development of the Buddharoid can be summarized in the following three points

 

The Buddhist dialogue communication system integrated into the Buddharoid utilizes ‘BuddhaBot Plus.’ ‘BuddhaBot-Plus’ runs on the latest version of ChatGPT. It employs a structure in which responses are first generated using phrases drawn from Buddhist scriptures, followed by interpretations and additional explanations produced using OpenAI’s large-scale language model.

 

The base humanoid platform is the Unitree G1 robot manufactured by Unitree Robotics. Specifically, the robot has been trained to perform the following Buddhist gestures:

– Walking motion: Moving at a gentle, solemn pace, which is suitable for religious spaces.

– Worship posture: Gestures expressing respect towards others.

– Palms-together gesture: A representative Buddhist gesture expressing faith and reverence towards Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, high priests, etc.

By combining voice recognition for receiving questions, AI-generated responses, speech synthesis for vocal output, and synchronized physical movement, Buddharoid creates a cohesive dialogue experience in which speech and bodily expression are coordinated.

 

The research and development group is conducting ongoing discussions on ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues) regarding both the benefits and risks of adding physical embodiment to Buddhist AI.

 

 

Buddharoid integrates ‘Buddhism,’ ‘AI,’ and ‘Robotics.’ Building upon existing Buddhist chatbots and Buddhist AR technologies, this humanoid robot represents an evolution toward a more advanced form of religious technology incorporating physical embodiment.

Buddharoid is expected to stimulate both academic and societal discussions about the potential applications of AI humanoid robots in religion, while also demonstrating broader industrial potential.

Humanoid robots could perform religious activities previously limited to human practitioners, including rituals and instruction.

The development of ‘philosophical AI humanoid robots’ — equipped with AI trained on management philosophy and economic theory — may enable collaboration with robots in areas such as consulting, management advice, and economic analysis.

The Kumagai Lab at Kyoto University will continue collaborating with Teraverse Co., Ltd. and XNOVA Inc. to develop religious AI and robotics technologies—including chatbots representing philosophers and saints throughout human history, XR, and humanoid robots—to harmonize and advance cutting-edge technology with the human spirit while meeting its demand and supply. We plan to progressively pioneer and recreate rich traditional knowledge within digital spaces.

 

The development of this Buddhist AI humanoid robot builds upon existing Buddhist chatbots and Buddhist XR, advancing Buddhist AI development into a new stage characterized by physical embodiment and face-to-face interaction. Our goal is to accelerate the development of ‘Traditional Knowledge Tech,’ which integrates technology with various religions and philosophies, in order to enrich digital culture. 

 

 <Photo> Image of the Buddhist AI humanoid robot ‘Buddharoid’ (©Seiji Kumagai, ChatGPT5.2)