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‘I will devote myself’: South Korean temple ordains first humanoid robot monk

Gabi, the 130cm-tall (4.3ft) humanoid robot, is expected to attend a lantern festival later in May with fellow robots.

Published: 4:01pm, 7 May 2026

Read More about robotics: https://sc.mp/8387df

South Korea’s first humanoid robot monk made its official debut at Jogye Temple in Seoul on May 6, 2026. At the ordination ceremony, the Chinese-made robot from Unitree was given the Buddhist name Gabi.

‘I will devote myself’: South Korean temple ordains first humanoid robot monk

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Gabi, the 130cm-tall (4.3ft) humanoid robot, is expected to attend a lantern festival later in May with fellow robots.

Gabi, the 130cm-tall (4.3ft) humanoid robot, is expected to attend a lantern festival later in May with fellow robots.