Authorities are launching a pilot project at Salamanca High School in New York, USA, involving the introduction of a humanoid robot and artificial intelligence (AI) teaching assistant. The school is located in the Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation.
However, teachers have strongly criticized the project, labeling the initiative “illogical.” They argue that introducing a humanoid robot devalues the teaching profession. Some members of the local Indigenous community have also criticized the project, viewing such an initiative as a sign of extreme cultural insensitivity.
The robot is named “Sally” and cost $57,590. It is designed to operate within a specific scope; students authorized to use the robot can access its virtual assistance 24 hours a day. A project announcement stated that this would create opportunities for personalized learning for students.
The robot was manufactured by Realbotix, a Toronto-based company. Their statement noted that the Cattaraugus County School District, which operates Salamanca High School, is becoming the first in the United States to utilize a humanoid robot and AI teaching assistant. The Salamanca pilot project features a Realbotix M-Series humanoid robot, which will provide hands-on learning through natural conversation, facial expressions, and real-time interaction.
Lacey Pihlblad, president of the Salamanca Teachers Association and a teacher at the high school, said, “We are quite concerned about the security of the software Realbotix is using. We have apprehensions regarding whether student data will be stored, how that data will be collected, and the extent of the robot’s recording capabilities.” “We want the school district to suspend the use of the robot for the time being. The use of this AI software should also be halted. Further decisions should be made only after gathering more public input.”
Lacey Pihlblad noted that New York State is currently moving away from the excessive use of technology in classrooms. She said, “There is a growing consensus that students’ exposure to technology should be reduced. I believe placing a humanoid robot in the classroom to interact with children is a terrible decision. Most of our teachers share this view.”
Melinda Person, president of New York State United Teachers—the parent organization of the Salamanca Teachers Association—told *The Guardian* that placing a lifeless machine in front of students is not a good idea at all. Young children are at a stage where they are learning to socialize, bond with friends, and resolve conflicts; yet, they are being introduced to a machine capable of mimicking human interaction. Introducing a human-like robot into the classroom in this manner would severely devalue the teaching profession.
Local residents have expressed outrage over the decision to pilot the humanoid robot at a high school with a significant population of Indigenous students; approximately 40 percent of the students at the school are Native American. Leaders of the Seneca Nation declined to comment on the matter to *The Guardian*.
