Robot monk blends science and Buddhism at Chinese temple

Master Xianfan looks at robot monk Xian'er as he demonstrates the robot's conversation function during a photo opportunity in Longquan Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Beijing, April 20, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

BEIJING: A Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Beijing has decided to ditch traditional ways and use technology to attract followers. 

Longquan temple says it has developed a robot monk that can chant Buddhist mantras, move via voice command, and hold a simple conversation.