Four humanoid robot monks marched through central Seoul on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Buddha [1].

The event marks a significant attempt to merge ancient spiritual traditions with modern technology. By introducing robotics into a public religious celebration, the organizers aim to showcase how automation can coexist with Buddhist practice and outreach.

The parade took place near Jogye Temple, where the robot monks joined human performers in a procession featuring colorful lanterns [2]. This public display served as a lead-up to the official birthday celebrations. The integration of these machines into the street parade highlights a growing trend of utilizing high-tech tools to engage the public in traditional customs [3].

Each of the four humanoid robots used in the parade cost $16,000 [4]. These machines were designed to mimic the appearance and presence of monks, moving alongside the human participants to draw attention to the sect's openness to technological advancement [1].

The presence of the robots in the heart of the city reflected a broader effort by the Buddhist sect to welcome innovation. The procession combined the visual spectacle of traditional lanterns with the futuristic nature of humanoid robotics, creating a bridge between the historical and the contemporary [2].

While the robots provided a visual centerpiece for the parade, the event remained centered on the spiritual significance of Buddha's birthday. The use of technology in this context is intended to demonstrate that the core tenets of the faith can be communicated through new mediums [3].

“Four humanoid robot monks marched through central Seoul”

The deployment of humanoid robots in a religious parade suggests a strategic shift by South Korean Buddhist institutions to remain relevant in a highly digitized society. By blending robotics with traditional iconography, the sect is experimenting with 'techno-spirituality' to attract younger generations and signal that ancient traditions are compatible with the future of artificial intelligence.