Controversial plan for New York school to have AI robot teacher paused

The Salamanca City Central School District in rural upstate New York has paused plans to introduce an AI-powered humanoid robot, Sally, into classrooms after state officials, teachers, and residents raised concerns over data privacy, the robot's instructional role, and its manufacturer Realbotix's association with a company known for producing sex dolls. The district had approved the nearly $60,000 acquisition to enhance high school robotics and technology education, but the pilot remains on hold for further agreements and community engagement.

Controversial plan for New York school to have AI robot teacher paused - A school district in rural upstate New York has halted plans to introduce an AI-powered humanoid robot, Sally, into classrooms after state officials, teachers, and residents raised concerns. - The Salamanca City Central School District had approved the nearly $60,000 acquisition to enhance high school robotics and technology education. - Objections centred on data privacy, the robot's instructional role, and the manufacturer Realbotix's association with a company known for producing sex dolls. - The New York State United Teachers union president, Melinda Person, strongly opposed the robot, arguing for human interaction over AI and fearing potential teacher replacement. - The district insists Sally is for educational enrichment, will not collect personal data, and will not replace staff, but the pilot remains on hold for further agreements and community engagement.