An ancient Japanese temple has hired the help of a £700,000 (Y100 million) robot to deliver the teachings of Buddhism.

The android, dubbed Kannon, is based on the traditional Buddhist deity of mercy and is designed to attract young people.

The robo-deity provided its first sermon at Kyoto's Kodaiji temple, which opened in 1619, on Saturday.

Scroll down for video

The Android Kannon, which is a Buddhist deity of mercy, was unveiled to the news media before it starts preaching to the public in March

The android project is a collaboration between the zen temple and Hiroshi Ishiguro, professor of intelligent robotics at Osaka University

The android is a the result of a collaboration between the zen temple and Hiroshi Ishiguro, professor of intelligent robotics at Osaka University.

Only Kannon's head, neck shoulders and hands are covered in a skin-like material made from silicone.

The robot stands at 77 inches (1.95 metres) tall and weighing 132lbs (59 kilograms).

A video camera is installed in the left eye, which allows it to focus on its subject and give the appearance of making 'eye contact'.

Each pre-programmed sermon comes from the Heart Sutras in Japanese, with versions translated into English and Chinese for tourists.

A video camera is installed in the left eye, which allows it to focus on its subject and give the appearance of making 'eye contact'

Each pre-programmed sermon comes from the Heart Sutras in Japanese, with versions translated into English and Chinese for tourists

Managers at the ancient venue approached Professor Ishiguro in a bid to connect with Japan's youth.

'Buddhism spread phenomenally around the world with the emergence of Buddhist images,' Tensho Goto, a priest at the temple, told the Asahi newspaper.

'We are hoping that the Android Kannon will help Buddhist teachings reach the hearts of people today

'We want many people to come and see the robot and to think about the essence of Buddhism.'