A humanoid robot and AI teaching assistant have sparked outrage among teachers at Salamanca high school in New York after being introduced as part of a pilot programme. The $57,590 robotic system, named Sally, has been acquired by the Cattaraugus county school district, with plans to make it available 24/7 to students who have access.
Teachers have labelled the initiative “inappropriate”, citing concerns that human-like robots could dehumanise their profession. Local Native American residents have also voiced criticism, calling the pilot programme's implementation “culturally tone deaf”. The background of Realbotix, the Toronto-based company behind the robot, has raised further eyebrows. The firm acquired Simulacra, a Las Vegas-based business known for producing realistic sex dolls, in April 2024.
Lacey Pihlblad, president of the Salamanca Teachers’ Association, expressed concerns about Realbotix's background and the security of the software. She called for the programme to be halted until more people could weigh in. The union is negotiating a new contract and plans to include protections related to artificial intelligence.
New York State United Teachers president Melinda Pearson echoed Pihlblad's sentiments, describing the programme as “inappropriate” and “creepy”. She argued that placing a robot in front of students was misguided and that true educational challenges are better addressed by providing caring adults and fostering human connection. Pearson clarified that teachers were not anti-technology but pro-child, making decisions based on what benefits students.