The Salamanca City Central school district has officially paused its pilot project involving a humanoid robot at its high school following significant pushback from community members and educators. In a social media announcement on 24 July, the district stated that the program with the Toronto-based technology company Realbotix is on hold while officials work to establish enhanced student data privacy agreements with the New York State Education Department. The district also noted that it intends to continue engaging with stakeholders and the local community regarding the proposal.
The program was designed to introduce a humanoid robot named Sally, which features brown hair and silicone skin. According to a June press release from Realbotix, the robot, valued at approximately $58,000, was intended to facilitate hands-on learning experiences through facial expressions, natural conversation, and real-time interaction. The company stated that the robot aimed to encourage student participation and provide early exposure to emerging technology.
However, the project faced immediate scrutiny due to the background of Realbotix, which acquired the Las Vegas-based sex doll manufacturer Simulacra about two years prior to the announcement. Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers union, issued a statement on 23 July condemning the plan. She argued that a robot produced by a company associated with sex dolls has no place in a classroom. Person emphasized that students require genuine relationships with caring adults who can support their successes and struggles, rather than a robot, regardless of how lifelike its features might be.
Local educators also raised concerns about the implementation of the technology. Lacey Pihlblad, president of the Salamanca Teachers’ Association, expressed worries regarding the company's background, the security of the software, and how student data would be gathered, stored, and recorded. Furthermore, some educators questioned the choice of the school district, which serves a large Native American population. Sierra May Abrams, a substitute teacher at the high school, criticized the selection, noting the historical trauma associated with Native American boarding schools in the United States and describing the decision to test the technology on these students as insensitive.
In response to the pause, Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel told New York Focus that the company respects the district's decision and supports thorough due diligence. He maintained that the firm stands behind the program as a supportive tool intended to assist teachers and students rather than replace them, adding that they want the initiative to be demonstrably safe and fully supported by the faculty.
