Coimbatore: Humanoid robots have become the centre of attention after performing rituals during Ayudha Puja celebrations at a robotics company in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Videos showing the AI-powered machines lighting camphor, offering incense to a deity and performing aarti have attracted attention on social media.
The unusual celebration took place at a robotics company in R.S. Puram, Coimbatore. Robots developed by MIRAKILE participated in the ceremony, bringing together traditional Hindu practices and modern robotics technology.
Robots Light Camphor and Offer Incense
One of the highlights of the event was a humanoid robot performing rituals usually carried out by people. The robot lit camphor, offered incense to the deity and performed aarti as part of the Ayudha Puja ceremony.
An educational robot and another robot used for awareness activities also took part in the celebrations. Their participation demonstrated how robotic systems designed for different purposes can be incorporated into public demonstrations and cultural events.
The organisers also worshipped spare parts used in the robots. This extended the traditional practice of honouring tools and equipment to the machines and components associated with robotics and artificial intelligence.
Traditional Rituals Meet Modern Technology
Ayudha Puja is traditionally observed by worshipping the tools, machinery, vehicles and equipment used in everyday life and professional activities. Workers and businesses offer prayers for the well-being of their equipment and continued success in their work.
The Coimbatore celebration presented an unusual twist on this tradition: the machines being honoured also took part in performing the rituals.
Robotics technology, once largely associated with industrial production lines and factories, is increasingly finding applications in education, public engagement and other areas of daily life. The event illustrated how this technology can feature in cultural settings as well.
The sight of humanoid robots performing aarti and lighting camphor, while their own spare parts were included in the worship, made the celebration distinctive. Videos of the ceremony subsequently circulated on social media, drawing attention to the intersection of India’s cultural traditions and emerging AI-powered technology.
