New York school pauses plan to deploy humanlike AI robot teacher after backlash
A New York school district has paused the deployment of an AI-powered humanoid robot named 'Sally' following community backlash. Concerns were raised regarding data privacy and the manufacturer's alleged ties to a company that produces adult-oriented products.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the growing tension between integrating advanced technology in education and the public's concerns over ethics, data privacy, and corporate associations.
NEW YORK — A school district in a rural corner of upstate New York is hitting pause on plans to deploy an AI-powered, humanoid robot in the classroom after state education officials, teachers and local residents raised concerns, including the maker's ties to a company that produces hyper realistic sex bots.
The Salamanca City Central School District's board approved the nearly $60,000 purchase from Realbotix with visions that "Sally," as the stationary robot with long dark hair has already been nicknamed, would enhance the education of high school students studying robotics and technology fields.
"Having a difficult time programming an Arduino board? Don't even know what an Arduino board is? Ask Sally and she can explain it," Superintendent Mark Beehler, said Tuesday. "The robot also provides opportunities for students to learn how the robot is maintained, how it is updated with new approved content, and how to troubleshoot issues."
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