Strong reactions are being caused by a New York school's decision to test an anthropomorphic robot and AI teaching assistant. Educators are calling for the program to be "frozen," expressing fears about student privacy and the degradation of human interaction in the classroom.
The pilot program will be implemented in the fall of 2026 at Salamanca High School, located in the Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation. Nearly four out of ten students at the school are Native Americans.
The robot is named Sally and cost the school district $57,590, approximately €50,600. According to the manufacturer Realbotix, it will be able to converse, change facial expressions, and interact with students in real time. At the same time, an AI digital assistant will offer personalized educational material and be available online 24/7.
Realbotix claims that the technology will not replace teachers but will be used under their supervision in science, technology, and engineering courses.
However, the Salamanca Teachers' Association calls the plan inappropriate and demands more guarantees before the robot enters the classrooms. Teachers are raising questions about whether conversations will be recorded, what data will be collected, and where it will be stored.
"What schools need is more caring adults and more human contact, not more screens, algorithms, and robots," the head of the New York State United Teachers federation told the Guardian.
Reactions from the Seneca Community
The program has also sparked reactions in the local community, as the school has a large number of students belonging to the Seneca Nation. Local residents believe that the choice of Salamanca as a testing ground shows a lack of sensitivity towards the history of indigenous populations.
Assistant teacher Sierra Mae Abrams told the Guardian that the decision evokes memories of periods when indigenous children were subjected to educational experiments and forced assimilation.
Similar reservations were expressed by Alison Brown, a member of the Seneca Nation and an alumna of the school. She noted that many families in the area have relatives who attended boarding schools for indigenous children, which are associated with serious trauma and loss of cultural identity. According to her, many residents see the new program as a repeat of an old practice where their communities were used without meaningful consultation.
Questions are also raised about Realbotix's background. The company, which previously operated in cryptocurrencies, acquired in 2024 a company that had become known for manufacturing highly realistic sex dolls and then shifted to developing anthropomorphic robots.
Realbotix denies any connection between that activity and the school program. A spokesperson told the Guardian that the pilot project will be limited, will operate under the supervision of the school district, and aims to supplement, not replace, teaching.
The New York State Education Department, however, has already expressed serious concerns about the protection of students' personal data and the possibility that the robot might take on tasks that should remain with qualified professionals.
Reservations about Student Privacy
The New York State Education Department confirmed that it is in communication with the Salamanca school district regarding the purchase of the robot.
Spokesperson JP O'Hare stated that serious reservations have been raised about the protection of students' personal data, security measures, and the possibility that the technology could be used for tasks that should be performed by trained professionals.
He stressed that technology can support teachers and students but should not replace the human judgment and responsibility required for a safe and effective school environment.
The teachers' union intends to raise the issue in negotiations for the new collective agreement, demanding clear rules for the use of artificial intelligence in schools.
Realbotix did not specifically respond to the criticisms from teachers and local residents. It limited itself to stating that the program will be trial-based and that the robot and digital assistant will be used as supplementary tools in the existing curriculum.
The Salamanca school district and its superintendent did not respond to repeated requests from the Guardian for comment.
With information from the Guardian
