New York school pauses plan to deploy humanlike AI robot teacher after backlash
Summary
A school district in upstate New York has paused its plan to use a humanoid robot named “Sally” in classrooms after concerns about the company’s links to a maker of hyper-realistic sex dolls and worries about student data privacy. The district says the robot is intended to help students learn about robotics and technology, not replace teachers.Key Facts
- Salamanca City Central School District approved spending nearly $60,000 to buy a humanoid robot from the company Realbotix.
- The robot, called “Sally,” was meant to assist high school students with robotics and technology lessons.
- Parents, teachers, and state officials raised concerns about privacy and the robot maker’s connection to a sex doll company.
- Teachers’ union leaders opposed the robot, saying it should not be in schools.
- The district now is working on stronger student data privacy agreements before moving forward.
- The robot can move its arms and hands but does not have functioning legs.
- Officials say the robot will not replace human teachers but will support teaching and tutoring.
- State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa questioned the robot’s role since it was described as a tutoring tool.
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