Shanghai Qingbao's robotic monks will create a milestone in India, heralding a new era in the expanding humanoid robot sector.
In an extraordinary shift, humanoid robots are poised to move beyond their conventional functions in factories and exhibitions, embracing new roles within spiritual and cultural environments.
Shanghai Qingbao Engine Robot, a pioneer in humanoid robotics, has revealed plans to dispatch over 20 of its robotic monks to India, where they will conduct sermons at a Buddhist temple.
These robots, donning traditional orange robes and displaying tranquil expressions, will sit in the lotus position with their legs crossed, marking the first occasion that robots will take on a spiritual role within a religious context.
Their incorporation into religious practices represents a significant milestone for the robotics sector.
Shanghai Qingbao, which specializes in crafting robots for cultural tourism and events, is among numerous companies competing to develop humanoid robots.
Other major contenders in the industry include
Tesla, Nvidia, and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers like Xiaomi and Xpeng.
Humanoid robots are increasingly diversifying their roles, from aiding in production at
Tesla's Optimus to entertaining or guiding visitors in museums.
The rising integration of robots into everyday life continues to drive the advancement of artificial intelligence and automation across multiple sectors.