简体中文
Encased in yellow robes and sporting what looks like a shaved head, this robot has been an Internet-favorite since 2016.
Known for its ability to spread Buddhist wisdom to the digital generation, the 110-centimeter tall robot now can speak English.
Xian'er, the monk robot based at Beijing's Longquan Buddhist temple, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to communicate with people through its WeChat account, and on Wednesday, it started answering questions in both Chinese and English.
Xian'er received 42,000 questions in English by 5:30 pm on Thursday, said China Daily.
Xian'er monk robot
Xian Qing, a monk from the Longquan Buddhist temple, told China Daily: "An English-speaking Xian'er can better spread Buddhist wisdom to people around the world," adding that many overseas Chinese and foreigners liked the cute monk.
Although many from the public have praised the Xian'er, its English is not perfect.
The little monk can answer simple questions like "What are you from?" and "How old are you?", with perfect pre-programed answers like "Beijing, China" and "I am 4 years old."
When the little monk doesn’t know how to answer in English, the most frequent reply is the Buddhist term "Amitabha!"
And like a dutiful disciple, it will refer to its master if it is unsure of anything.
Conversation with Xian'er through WeChat.
"Actually, when the robot doesn't know how to reply, it will say so," Han Yu, head of the robot team told China Daily.
Although not perfect yet, Xian'er's new feature is appreciated by users. "It is interesting to chat with Xian'er in English, although some replies make no sense," said Deng Lingyu, a university student.
Han said the monk has just started to learn English, and it can improve through learning. Xian'er can only communicate through written messages for now, but the team is working on making it speak English.
"The team is looking for a boy who can speak English fluently to be the voice of Xian'er," Han told China Daily.
(CHINA DAILY)
