A Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Beijing called Longquan Temple has developed a robot monk that can chant Buddhist mantras, move via voice command, and have a simple conversation.

Named Xian'er, the 60-cm tall robot resembles a cartoon-like novice monk in yellow robes with a shaven head, holding a touch screen on his chest.

Master Xianfan, Xian’er’s creator, said the robot monk was the perfect vessel for spreading the wisdom of Buddhism in China, through the fusion of science and Buddhism. He said science and Buddhism are not opposing nor contradicting and can be combined and mutually compatible. He also added that Buddhism filled a gap for people in a fast-changing, smart-phone dominated society, saying Buddhism is something that attaches much importance to inner heart, and pays attention to the individual's spiritual world.

Xian'er was inspired by Xianfan's 2013 cartoon creation of the same name, to which the temple has produced cartoon animations, published comic anthologies, and even merchandise. 

The temple is developing a new model of Xian'er, which it says will have a more diverse range of functions.