AI is changing pilgrims’ journeys, but sacred journeys have always adapted to new technology

From the printing press to smartphone apps, technology has continually transformed the experience of sacred journeys. A scholar of trails and walking explains the history.

By: Shay Rabineau, Binghamton University, State University of New York, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 8, 2026

Words: 1,442

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

Body Text Preview

By Shay Rabineau, Binghamton University, State University of New York

In 2025, two scholars of religion decided to make a multiday pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodō trail – an ancient route in Japan connecting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples – guided by an artificial intelligence assistant.

The two – Wayne E. Arnold and John A. Shultz – trained an AI companion on a smartphone to suit their travel needs, including translation. But …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us