Monk Robot Offers Spirituality Via A.I. : DNews

At a Buddhist temple northwest of Beijing, a humble machine has some advise for you. Xian'er, which translates into Worthy Stupid Robot Monk ("stupid," being a a term of affection in the local dialect), uses a touchpad to respond to questions or statements from visitors, reports the NY Times. If you ask, "What is the meaning of life?" the little orange-robed fellow will respond, "My master says the meaning of life is to help more people finally leave behind bitterness and gain happiness." If you say, "I'm not happy," he'll say, "If you're not happy, what can anyone else do about it?" Xian'er was developed last year as part of a collaboration between a dozen Chinese technology, culture and investment companies. The robot is based on a comic book character created by artists at the Comic Center inside the temple.