Daily Robot News
May 07, 2026
As humanoid robots start donning Buddhist robes and performing handstands, it's clear: the lines between functionality, spirituality, and entertainment are blurring, raising questions about our future relationship with machines in both sacred and mundane spaces.
Summary
Robot Innovations and Applications
All3's Mantis has a 4m reach for on-site construction, Hyundai performed a handstand, Berkshire Hathaway is deploying driverless freight trucks across the Sun Belt.
Autonomous Transportation Advances
Bloomberg launched Europe’s first robotaxi service for €1.99, Nuro received a driverless testing permit for its Uber robotaxi launch, Waymo faces hiccups before its London launch with a puddle gaffe.
Robotics and Society
Religious Robots emerge as South Korea's first autonomous monk converts to Buddhism, Gabi the Robot Monk takes Buddhist vows at Jogyesa Temple, Passengers groaned as a robot passenger caused delays at Oakland Airport.
In Other Robot News
The New York Times reports on a new robot monk in Korea, California enables cops to ticket driverless cars in July, Roomba co-founder discusses the significance of practical home robots over humanoids.