The use of automation and artificial intelligence in religious rituals, particularly in Hinduism, has sparked debates among worshippers. While some see it as a positive development in human innovation, others express concerns about the replacement of practitioners with robots. Ritual automation has a historical precedent in South Asian religions, but the introduction of AI and robotic technology has raised complex questions. There are worries that automated religion might lead to a decline in religious practice and a loss of human connection. Scholars note that these concerns reflect an underlying anxiety about robots being better at worshipping gods than humans. The rise of ritual automation challenges the emphasis on correct ethical and liturgical behavior in Hinduism and Buddhism, with robots potentially seen as spiritually incorruptible. The use of robots in religious rituals represents a cultural paradox, where the goal is to achieve a better religion that eventually involves no humans at all.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robotic automation in religious rituals | From human-led rituals to robotic-led rituals | More widespread use of robotic rituals in various religious practices | Desire for more consistent and flawless ritual performance |
| Increasing debates about AI and robotic technology in devotion and worship | Concerns about the use of robots in religious practices | Continued debates on the impact of AI and robotics in religious contexts | Desire for betterment of society through human innovation |
| Uneasiness about robots replacing practitioners in religious rituals | Worries about the future of human involvement in religious practices | Increased anxiety about the role of robots in religious rituals | Fear of robots being better at worshiping gods than humans |
| Ritual automation in South Asian religions | Historical use of automated rituals | Contemporary versions of automated rituals including robotic devices | Innovation and cultural preservation |
| Concerns about the future of automated religion | Worries about the impact of automation on religious practices | Potential decrease in religious practitioners and increased reliance on automation | Decrease in young people’s willingness to dedicate their lives to spiritual practice |
| Debates about the benefits and limitations of ritual automation | Discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of robotic rituals | Uncertainty about the benefits and religious authenticity of ritual automation | Desire for improved ritual performance and spiritual advancement |
| Increasing use of robotic deities | Use of robotic icons to embody the divine | Continued use of robotic deities programmed by engineers | Desire for religious icons that reflect specific religious views and beliefs |
| Ritual automation as a reflection of anxiety and inner conflicts | Concerns about the role of robots in religious practices | Ongoing anxiety about the meaning of life and one’s place in the universe | Desire for spiritual advancement and perfection in religious practices |
| Robotic automation as a means of perfecting ritual practices | Utilization of robots to achieve flawless ritual performance | Greater reliance on robotic automation for perfecting rituals | Desire for consistency and perfection in religious practices |
| Imagining Hinduism and Buddhism as post- or transhuman religions | Use of technology to transcend human weaknesses in religious practices | Increased use of robotic automation to enhance religious rituals | Desire for a better and more advanced form of religion through technology. |