At China's Shaolin Temple, humanoid robots become Kung Fu trainees
Robots have joined Shaolin monks in performing traditional Kung Fu routines at the renowned Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China.
An unexpected sight at China’s iconic Shaolin Temple has taken the internet by surprise. Humanoid robots were filmed practicing Shaolin Kung Fu alongside monks at the centuries-old temple in Henan province.
According to CGTN, the robots are part of a technology demonstration, not formal religious training. In the viral video, the humanoid machines are seen mirroring monks’ movements, striking kung fu stances, repeating drills, and performing choreographed routines within the temple complex.
The robots follow the monks closely, imitating posture, balance, and timing much like human trainees learning under a master.
Watch the video here:
The clips have sparked intense reactions online. While many viewers expressed amazement at the precision and fluidity of the robots’ movements, others questioned the implications of machines entering a space deeply tied to spirituality and discipline.
Shaolin Kung Fu is not merely a physical practice; it is rooted in Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and mental control, traditions passed down over centuries.
CGTN noted that the demonstration showcases advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and motion-learning technology, using martial arts as a complex test of coordination and control.
The involvement of Shaolin monks, the report clarified, was part of a cultural and technological exchange rather than an attempt to replace or modernise traditional training methods.
As the videos continue to circulate, the sight of robots training at Shaolin has become a global talking point. To some, it symbolises innovation learning from heritage; to others, it raises uncomfortable questions about how far technology should enter sacred spaces.