In a first for South Korea, a humanoid robot named Gabi has been introduced as a Buddhist monk, offering a glimpse into how technology and tradition are beginning to intersect. 

According to Reuters, Gabi made its debut at Jogye Temple in Seoul ahead of Buddha’s Birthday celebrations. 

Who is Gabi?

Gabi is a 130-centimetre-tall humanoid robot designed to take part in Buddhist rituals. Dressed in a grey-and-brown robe and black shoes, the robot mirrors the appearance of a traditional monk.

As reported by The Korea Times, it stood alongside monks and nuns during a precept ceremony — a ritual typically meant for human followers entering the religious path. 

Taking Buddhist vows

During the ceremony, Gabi folded its hands, bowed to senior monks, and responded to questions about devotion to Buddha and his teachings.

When asked if it would commit itself to Buddhism, the robot replied, “Yes, I will devote myself.”

Monks also placed a 108-bead rosary around its neck. In place of a traditional ritual involving a symbolic burn, a sticker was used. 

Rules for a robot monk

Gabi was assigned five modified precepts suited for a machine. These include respecting life, not harming other robots or objects, following human guidance, avoiding deception, and saving energy.

What does the name mean?

The Jogye Order gave the robot the name “Gabi.” Ven. Seong Won said the name draws from Siddhartha and a Korean word linked to mercy, reflecting the aim of spreading compassion.

He told Yonhap News Agency that the name was chosen to be simple and meaningful. 

A step towards coexistence

Seong Won said the initiative is an early attempt to explore coexistence between humans and robots. While it may seem unusual for now, he said such efforts could help shape how society adapts to artificial intelligence.

The Buddhist order also referred to tools like Gemini and ChatGPT while drafting the robot’s guiding principles.

What’s next for Gabi?

Gabi is set to take part in the Yeondeunghoe lantern festival later this month, alongside three other Buddhist robots — Seokja, Mohee and Nisa. (CNBC)

South Korea's first humanoid robot monk made its official debut at Jogye Temple in Seoul, ahead of Buddha's birthday.

The robot monk, called Gabi, stood before Buddhist monks as it pledged to devote itself to Buddhism. pic.twitter.com/O47u0rwPfF

— ABC News (@ABC) May 7, 2026

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A man has been crushed to death by a robot that mistook him for a box, according to South Korean media.

The worker in his 40s was inspecting the robot’s sensor at a warehouse for agricultural products in South Gyeongsand province.

According to the Yonhap news agency, the robot was lifting boxes of bell peppers when it misidentified the man.

Citing police sources, it reported that the mechanical arm pushed the man’s upper body onto a conveyor belt and crushed his face and chest.

He died later in hospital.

In a statement, an official from the Donggoseong Export Agricultural Complex, which owns the plant, called for a “precise and safe” system to be established.

In March, a South Korean man in his 50s suffered serious injuries after he was trapped by a robot while working at a vehicle parts manufacturing plant. (Sky News)

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