Automation is perfect for taking on jobs that are dirty, dull, and dangerous, and being a temple elephant could be all three. Irinjadappilly Raman is the latest addition to a temple in India. This robotic elephant was donated to the temple by the animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The elephant stands over 15 feet tall and weighs over 2,000 pounds.
Irinjadappilly Raman is a mechanical version of a real elephant and was created with the aim of replacing the use of live elephants for religious ceremonies. PETA believes that the use of live animals in religious ceremonies is a violation of the animals’ rights and is a form of animal cruelty. The mechanical elephant is intended to provide a humane alternative to the use of live animals.
What’s the job?
Temple elephants are often chained in a small space on concrete, a situation which can lead to injury of the feet and legs. They take part in religious ceremonies which may include firecrackers, large crowds, and high levels of noise. They are often fed non-nutritious diets and they do not have a natural life,
Robots to the rescue!
The elephant was created by a team of engineers from PETA and the temple. It was constructed from hundreds of pieces of metal and plastic, and is operated by a remote-control system. The elephant can walk, wave its trunk, and even move its ears and eyes. The mechanical elephant also has sensors that detect the presence of people and respond accordingly.
The temple will use the mechanical elephant for various religious ceremonies. The elephant will not only be used to welcome devotees, but can also be used to perform traditional ceremonies.
Irinjadappilly Raman is a powerful symbol of the compassion and kindness that PETA stands for. It is a reminder for everyone to be kind to animals and to treat them with respect. The mechanical elephant represents PETA’s commitment to protecting animals and their rights.
PETA hopes that the mechanical elephant will encourage other temples to embrace a more animal-friendly approach to religious ceremonies. Irinjadappilly Raman is a step towards a more compassionate future in which animals are treated with respect and dignity.