A humanoid robot named 'Gabi' was officially ordained as a Buddhist monk during a ceremony at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple. The robot, a $13,500 Unitree G1 model, stood just over four feet tall and was dressed in traditional robes. It stood before a panel of monks and pledged devotion to the 'holy Buddha.'
While human monks typically vow to abstain from killing, stealing, and intoxicants, Gabi's vows were reprogrammed for the digital age: respecting humans, refraining from damaging property, avoiding deception, and conserving energy. The Jogye Order, South Korea's largest Buddhist sect, framed the move as an effort to engage younger, tech-driven audiences. The ceremony has drawn criticism online, with some calling it 'ridiculous and insulting.'
Gabi is expected to appear at Seoul's Lantern Festival on May 16-17.