"Want to Learn Math from a Teacher?" Controversy Halts $58,000 AI Robot Educator in the End

New York State’s AI Teacher "Sally" Faces Classroom Suspension
Controversy Over Ties to Adult Robot Manufacturer
Temporarily Halted After Strong Opposition from Parents and Teachers

Plans to introduce a humanoid artificial intelligence (AI) robot as a learning assistant in high schools in New York State, United States, have been put on hold due to strong opposition from parents and teachers.

The AI humanoid robot 'Sally', which was scheduled to be introduced as a learning assistant at a high school in Salamanca City, New York State, USA. Realbotics.

On July 25 (local time), international media outlets such as The New York Times reported that the Salamanca City Central School District in New York State had suspended a pilot program to introduce the AI robot "Sally" to high school classrooms, after spending $58,000 (about 85 million won) on the project.

Sally was designed based on suggestions from the student council. The robot, made of silicone, takes the form of a young woman aged 16 to 24, with long black hair, a bright, positive, and humble personality, and a body of historical knowledge.

An AI-generated image of a Realbotics humanoid robot in a classroom environment. Realbotics

Sally was scheduled to be put to use in high school classrooms as a first step by engaging in natural conversations with students, answering their questions, and assisting them specifically with math and science learning. The school district explained that Sally was not meant to replace teachers, but to serve as an educational tool to support students’ learning. They especially emphasized the intention to provide students in regions with less access to advanced educational opportunities with valuable experiences using AI technology.

However, there was fierce resistance from parents and teachers over bringing a humanoid AI robot into classrooms. They criticized several points: that an AI robot could undermine the human bonds between teachers and students; that it was unclear how students’ voice and facial data—personal information—would be collected and stored; and that the unchecked expansion of technology in classrooms could be problematic.

The controversy further intensified when it became known that a sister company of Sally’s manufacturer, Realbotics, produces AI-based robots for adults and has marketed them as “the world’s most advanced sex robots.” The New York State teachers union responded with statements such as “Bringing humanoid robots into classrooms to interact with children is a step in the wrong direction at a time when there is a growing global consensus that student exposure to technology should be reduced,” “There is no reason for a robot from a company associated with adult products to be in the classroom,” and, “What schools need is closer bonds with adults who truly care about students.”

As the controversy grew, Betty A. Rosa, New York State Commissioner of Education, sent a letter to the Salamanca superintendent stating that the department would review the educational and legal issues posed by deploying humanoid robots in classrooms, as well as questions about student privacy and security. The Salamanca City Central School District announced that it would temporarily suspend the program in order to prepare a student privacy protection agreement and gather input from the local community.

However, school officials clarified that they have not withdrawn their overall plans to utilize AI technology in education. With generative AI technologies rapidly spreading into daily life, this case is seen as raising new challenges concerning how to balance technological innovation with ensuring student safety.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.