The robots, named Gabi, Seokga, Mohee and Nisa, walked through the Jongno district beside performers, dancers and long lines of illuminated lotus lanterns. Organisers said about 50,000 participants carried nearly 100,000 handmade lanterns during the annual procession linked to the Jogye Order, the country’s largest Buddhist sect. The robots, dressed in traditional monastic robes, will serve as honorary monks during this year’s celebrations.