A Buddhist temple outside Beijing created a little robot monk that can chant mantras and explain the basic creed of faith, with the hope spreading ancient teachings via cutting-edge technology.

Dubbed as Xian'er, the robot monk stands just 2 feet (60cm) tall and is encased on a saffron-yellow robe with a shaved head, holding a touch screen gadget on his chest. Even spending a lot of time at the tranquil monastery, the little robot frequently wears an expression of surprise.

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Xina'er is capable of responding to voice commands, performing different motions with his wheels, and answering 20 basic Buddhism-related questions and a monk's daily life at the 500-year-old temple.

According to Xina'er's creator Master Xianfian, the robot monk could be a modern tool for spreading Buddhist wisdom across China.

"Science and Buddhism are not opposing nor contradicting, and can be combined and mutually compatible," he told Reuters.

He continued saying the religion filled a void in the fast-changing, highly advanced society.

"Buddhism is something that attaches much importance to inner heart, and pays attention to the individual's spiritual world," he said.

"It is a kind of elevated culture. Speaking from this perspective, I think it can satisfy the needs of many people."

Xian'er is a joint project between the temple, a tech company, and artificial intelligence experts from prestigious Chinese universities.

The robot monk was debuted last October and has appeared on a number of robotic fairs in China. But Xian'er is no social butterfly, as it spends most of his time meditating on an office shelf in Longquan.

The concept of a Xian'er was first conceived by Xianfian through a cartoon. He described his creation as "a reflection of innovative Buddhist spirit... [who] might help traditional Buddhism reach a wider public more easily."

TagsRobot monk, Robot, Buddhism, Xian'er, Master Xianfian, digital world