A Buddhist temple in Kyoko, Japan is using robotic priests to reach its younger generation. The Kodaiji Temple, which has been around for about 400 years, introduces the $1 million humanoids. They worked in partnership with the robotics team at the Osaka University.

Mindar is a 6-foot tall Android made of silicon and aluminium modelled after a Buddhist deity of mercy, Kannon. The deity robot, which teaches the Heart Sutra, preaches in Japanese. It also has English and Chinese translations projected on a screen for tourists.

The chief steward of the temple, Tensho Goto said, “Artificial intelligence has developed to such an extent we thought it logical for the Buddha to transform into a robot.”

“Obviously a machine doesn’t have a soul, but Buddhist faith isn’t about believing in God. It’s about following Buddha’s path, so it doesn’t matter whether it is represented by a machine, a scrap of iron or a tree,” he explained. Although, Goto believes the robotic priests will help reach the younger generation.

He said the Buddhist religion seeks to overcome pain and ease suffering, and now it can help young people with the robot. “It is here to save anyone who seeks help. Modern society brings other kinds of stress, but the goal hasn’t really changed for over 2,000 years,” Goto added.

Young people in Japan seem to have a positive interaction with the robot priest. Osaka University made a poll to gauge young people’s experiences.