Humanoid Education & Research Human-Machine Interaction
Meet the robot monk
Original from KoreaHerald.com: Meet the robot monk

Meet the robot monk

On Wednesday, South Korea unveiled its first robot monk, named Gabi, in a ceremony held at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, coinciding with the lead-up to Buddha's Birthday. The 130-centimeter-tall humanoid robot, designed by the Chinese company Unitree Robotics, was dressed in traditional Buddhist attire and participated in prayer alongside human monks, with its palms pressed together. The initiation rite was organized by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, marking a significant moment in the intersection of technology and spirituality. This innovative development aims to enhance the Buddhist experience and engage younger generations in the faith.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

Share

Related Articles/News

Advancements in Humanoid Robotics Driven by Power Management Solutions

Advancements in Humanoid Robotics Driven by Power Management Solutions

The latest episode of Designing the Future highlights the significant progress in humanoid robotics, driven by advancements in speed, mobility, and dexterity. As these technologies evolve, the role of power management becomes increasingly critical, particularly in the context of battery and fuel cell usage. Engineers face challenges in converting energy f...

Humanoids
Nous Research Secures New Funding Talks at $1.5 Billion Valuation for Hermes Agent

Nous Research Secures New Funding Talks at $1.5 Billion Valuation for Hermes Agent

Nous Research, the creator of the open-source Hermes agent, is in discussions to secure a new funding round led by Robot Ventures, aiming for a valuation of $1.5 billion. The company is looking to raise at least $75 million, following a previous $50 million Series A funding announced just three months prior. This funding round is significant as it reflect...

AI Startups Venture
Mitsubishi Motors to Begin Mass Production of Humanoid Robots by 2027

Mitsubishi Motors to Begin Mass Production of Humanoid Robots by 2027

Mitsubishi Motors has announced plans to start mass production of humanoid robots at its factory in Japan by 2027. In collaboration with the Tokyo University startup Highlanders, the company aims to produce 1,000 units per month initially, utilizing existing space in its Kyoto engine plant. The robots will first be deployed in Mitsubishi's own facilities ...

Humanoid Robots Manufacturing Automation AI Technology
CubeMars Launches New Hollow Planetary Power Modules for Humanoid Robot Joints

CubeMars Launches New Hollow Planetary Power Modules for Humanoid Robot Joints

In 2026, humanoid robots are approaching a critical point for industrial application. CubeMars has launched two specialized hollow planetary power modules, AKH70-16 and AKH70-48, which are crucial for enhancing flexibility and load capacity in robotic joints. These modules integrate brushless motors, planetary gear reducers, encoders, and driver boards, a...

Humanoid Robots Robotic Joints Power Modules
STMicroelectronics Invests in Oversonic Robotics to Enhance Humanoid Robot Development

STMicroelectronics Invests in Oversonic Robotics to Enhance Humanoid Robot Development

Oversonic Robotics, an Italian cognitive robotics firm known for RoBee, has announced a strategic investment from STMicroelectronics, Fondazione ENEA Tech Biomedical, and SpotInvest. This investment aims to accelerate Oversonic's industrial, technological, and international growth, particularly in the cognitive humanoid robotics sector. The involvement of...

Humanoids News artificial intelligence
Robot.com Introduces R-noid Humanoid Robot for Challenging Labor Markets

Robot.com Introduces R-noid Humanoid Robot for Challenging Labor Markets

Robot.com has officially launched R-noid, a humanoid robot designed to tackle repetitive and hard-to-fill jobs across various industries. Deployed under a Robot-as-a-Service model, R-noid can achieve autonomous operation within eight to twelve weeks, addressing significant staffing challenges in sectors like healthcare and food services. The introduction ...

Humanoids News automation
Specialized Robots Enhance Efficiency in Solar Farm Construction and Maintenance

Specialized Robots Enhance Efficiency in Solar Farm Construction and Maintenance

A rising number of robotics companies are developing specialized machines aimed at alleviating labor bottlenecks in solar farm construction and maintenance. These innovations are crucial as they address the unique challenges posed by solar farm terrains, optimizing both construction timelines and operational efficiency. The significance of these advanceme...

KISS Institute Launches BotBall to Enhance STEM Education with Student-Led Robotics

KISS Institute Launches BotBall to Enhance STEM Education with Student-Led Robotics

The KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR) has introduced BotBall, a robotics program designed to foster creativity and critical thinking among students. This initiative emphasizes student-led engineering, allowing participants from elementary to high school to engage in hands-on learning using a standardized kit. The program ensures a level playing...

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Educational News
KUKA Addresses Upcoming ISO 10218:2025 Robot Safety Standards and Market Implications

KUKA Addresses Upcoming ISO 10218:2025 Robot Safety Standards and Market Implications

KUKA, a leading robotics provider for the automotive sector, is responding to increasing inquiries regarding the updated ISO 10218 safety standard. This standard, which will become mandatory under the new European Machinery Regulation by 2027, is crucial for CE-marked industrial robots. The transition may be delayed due to weak manufacturing demand and co...

Manufacturing News Opinion
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 2026

ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 2026

This week in robotics: AI² Robotics raises $735M for wheeled humanoids, Unitree G1 performs first live surgery, Dexmal launches DexOS platform, Agility Robotics announces SPAC, and Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M. July 6–10, 2026.

RobotToday Weekly
Humanoid Robot H1 Completes First Live Gallbladder Surgery Under Surgeon Control

Humanoid Robot H1 Completes First Live Gallbladder Surgery Under Surgeon Control

In July 2026, a humanoid robot successfully performed the world's first live gallbladder surgery on a pig under the control of a surgeon. This groundbreaking procedure, documented by Nature and featured on the front page of the New York Post, has sparked significant discussions in the tech community about the implications of humanoid robots in surgical se...

Humanoid Robots Surgical Robotics AI in Healthcare
ForSight Robotics Completes First Fully Robotic Cataract Surgery with JASPER Platform

ForSight Robotics Completes First Fully Robotic Cataract Surgery with JASPER Platform

ForSight Robotics has successfully completed the world's first fully robotic cataract surgery using its JASPER platform, led by Dr. Alexey Rapoport in April 2026. This groundbreaking procedure was performed at the Asian Eye Institute in the Philippines, showcasing JASPER's ability to execute the entire surgery autonomously without general anesthesia, adhe...

Robotic Surgery Cataract Surgery AI in Healthcare

Related Suppliers

Humanoid M.AX Alliance

The Humanoid M.AX Alliance, established in April 2025, is a consortium comprising 224 entities focused on advancing Korea's humanoid robotics sector. Key initiatives include developing shared Robot AI Foundation Models, conducting R&D on next-gen humanoid technologies, and collaborating on AI semiconductors and mobility batteries. The Alliance also emphasizes startup acceleration and talent development through partnerships with leading universities.

Kind Humanoid (Acq. by 1X)

NEO is an advanced humanoid robot designed for versatile applications in domestic and commercial environments. It utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms for natural language processing and machine learning to enhance user interaction. The robot is equipped with a modular hardware architecture, enabling scalability and customization. Key features include real-time data processing, autonomous navigation, and integration with IoT devices for smart home functionality.

Rotaku (humanoid robotics; limited public info)

The humanoid robots developed feature a height of 1.7m, a weight of 45kg, and 22 degrees of freedom, enabling complex manipulation tasks. The system utilizes a robust SDK for high- and low-level control, alongside a data analytics stack for telemetry management. Advanced simulation environments support reinforcement learning for policy optimization, ensuring effective deployment in real-world scenarios.

HERL (Human Engineering Research Lab)

Joint University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs laboratory conducting rehabilitation engineering research. Develops mobility devices, assistive technologies, and medical-grade products for people with disabilities.

Education & Research Healthcare & Senior Care Human-Machine Interaction

Joanneum Research Assoc (AT)

Joanneum Research Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production conducts applied R&D in industrial robot systems, production automation and robot safety, offering feasibility analysis, consulting and testing in a robotics solution centre.

Education & Research Robot Manufacturer Software & Algorithm Provider

St Petersburg National Research U of ITMO

Russian leading research university (ITMO University) specializing in information technology, optical engineering, and photonics. Active research programs in AI, robotics, computer vision, and cyber-physical systems.

Education & Research Research Institute Software & Algorithm Provider

Patten Studio

Patten Studio is an interactive design studio based at MIT Media Lab roots, creating technology-driven art installations and experiential environments for brands and public spaces. Work involves sensing, embedded computing, and responsive physical interfaces, with peripheral relevance to human-machine interaction.

Education & Research Human-Machine Interaction Software & Algorithm Provider

Shenzhen Macrotellect Technology (CN)

Macrotellect develops BrainLink EEG headsets and brainwave sensing devices for consumer and research applications. The company focuses on brain-computer interface technology enabling non-invasive neural signal acquisition and human-machine interaction.

Healthcare & Senior Care Software & Algorithm Provider Human-Machine Interaction

Soul Machines

New Zealand AI company (now in receivership as of February 2026) that developed lifelike digital human avatars powered by large language models for customer service and enterprise deployment. Created Digital Workers and Workforce Connect platforms.