The 100 million yen ($909,090) project to build the android was a collaboration between the zen temple and Hiroshi Ishiguro, professor of intelligent robotics at Osaka University.
The temple asked Ishiguro and his team to develop an android that can preach Buddhist teachings in an easily understood manner to help give peace of mind to troubled people.
The android, named Mindar, is programmed to deliver a “sermon” from the Heart Sutras in Japanese. The translated versions of English and Chinese are projected on a screen.
Mindar, which has a camera installed in its left eye, stands 195 centimeters tall, including the base, and weighs 60 kilograms.
It can move its head, as well as arms and torso, which have see-through mechanical parts.
The Kannon deity transforms itself into various forms to help people.
“This time, Kannon changed into an android,” according to the temple.
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