Humanoid robot pilot in U.S. school sparks backlash over ethics and privacy

A New York school district has put plans to introduce a humanoid robot into classrooms on hold after fierce criticism from teachers, Indigenous community members and state education officials over the use of artificial intelligence in schools. 

Salamanca High School, in western New York, had planned to launch a pilot programme this autumn featuring "Sally," a humanoid robot developed by Canadian company Realbotix, alongside an AI-powered teaching assistant called Optio.

The initiative was designed to support 11th- and 12th-grade science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) classes by providing personalised tutoring and interactive classroom assistance. School officials stressed that the technology would complement teachers rather than replace them.

A controversial history raises questions

The project quickly drew national attention because of Realbotix's corporate history. The company previously became known for developing highly realistic companion robots and is linked to a parent company that acquired Simulacra, a manufacturer of lifelike sex dolls.

Although Realbotix insists its education products are entirely separate from its adult-oriented business, critics argue the connection raises questions about the suitability of the company supplying technology for schools.

Opposition has also come from teachers' unions, which warn that introducing AI-powered humanoid robots into classrooms risks undermining the role of educators while creating unresolved concerns about student privacy, data protection and the growing reliance on technology in schools.

Indigenous community voices opposition

Members of the local Seneca Nation have criticised the decision to trial the programme in a district where a significant proportion of students are Indigenous, saying it echoes a long history of Native communities being subjected to educational experiments without meaningful consultation.

Following concerns raised by the New York State Education Department over privacy, safety and legal issues, the Salamanca City Central School District announced it was suspending the pilot while reviewing data protection measures and consulting with the community. The case has become a high-profile test of how far schools should go in integrating humanoid AI into education.

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