The world going crazy over smartphone and other high-tech devices does not mean that spirituality has no more place in the hearts and lives of people. To disprove that, a Buddhist temple outside Beijing developed Xian'er, a monk robot that could recite mantras and explain the basics of Buddhism. The two-foot-high robot, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), has a shaved head and wears a saffron robe like traditional Buddhist monks, reported The Guardian. A touchscreen on the chest of the robot monk, found at the 500-year-old Longquan Temple, provides answers to 20 simple questions about the Buddhist faith and daily life at the temple. Among the questions is "What is the meaning of life?" Xian'er replied, "My master says the meaning of life is to help more people finally leave behind bitterness and gain happiness," quoted CNET.

This tiny robot monk could teach you something about Buddhism. Its name is Xian'er and it can perform a range of tasks, shown in the video above. Built over 1,000 years ago, this ancient sanctuary has grown into the most tech-savvy Buddhist temple in China. It promotes the collaboration of religion and technology--contrary to the traditional belief that Buddhists should be very secluded. Some of its study rooms even have fingerprint recognition systems (link in Chinese).

A Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Beijing has decided to ditch traditional ways and use technology to attract followers. Longquan temple has developed a robot monk that can chant Buddhist mantras, move via voice command, and hold a simple conversation. Named Xian'er, the 2ft-tall (60cm) robot resembles a cartoon-like novice monk in yellow robes with a shaven head, holding a touchscreen on its chest. Longquan temple says it has developed a robot monk that can chant Buddhist mantras, move via voice command, and hold a simple conversation. Named Xian'er (pictured), the 2ft-tall (60cm) robot resembles a cartoon-like novice monk in yellow robes with a shaven head, holding a touch screen on its chest Xian'er can hold a conversation by answering around 20 simple questions about Buddhism and daily life, listed on its screen, and perform seven types of motions on its wheels.

A monk at Longquan temple has built a robot monk, with the help of a technology company and artificial intelligence experts. Unveiled in October, Xian'er has been a hit not just at the temple but on social media as well.

A robo-monk called "Xianer" became an internet sensation in China after being shown on the country's internet, the country's People's Daily newspaper reported. The robot monk can talk to humans and answer some basic questions on Buddhist dharma. He was developed by the Buddhist monks of Beijing's Longquan temple. There is currently only one robot monk, with no plans for mass production, according to the newspaper. "After all, this is not a commercial endeavor. We made Xianer to preach Buddhist doctrines in a modern way," temple director Master Xianfan told People's Daily.