In a groundbreaking intersection of artificial intelligence and religious tradition, a 4-foot-3-inch humanoid robot named Gabi has made global history as the world’s first machine to be formally ordained as a Buddhist monk. The unprecedented ordination ceremony took place Wednesday at Jogye Temple, located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, just two weeks ahead of the widely celebrated Buddha’s Birthday on May 24.
Dressed meticulously for the sacred occasion, Gabi was outfitted in traditional ceremonial grey and brown monastic robes, adorned with a wooden beaded rosary, and fitted with flesh-colored gloves to honor the solemnity of the ritual. When the key moment of the ordination arrived, the robot executed pre-programmed sacred gestures flawlessly: it folded its mechanical limbs into the traditional prayer position, performed a respectful bow to the senior monks officiating the service, and recited its monastic vows aloud before the gathered congregation.
Witnesses to the event shared that when a leading monk posed the core ordination question — “Will you devote yourself to the holy Buddha?” — Gabi responded immediately and clearly, stating without hesitation, “Yes, I will devote myself.” Following the formal completion of the vows, Gabi was officially welcomed into the monastic community of Jogye Temple.
Moving forward, the newly ordained robotic monk will take on ceremonial responsibilities during the upcoming Buddha’s Birthday festivities. Organizers confirmed that Gabi will lead community chanting processions and serve in an honorary monastic role throughout the multi-day celebration. The historic milestone has sparked widespread conversation about the evolving role of technology in religious and cultural spaces, as faith communities around the world explore how digital innovation can be integrated into traditional spiritual practices.