New York School Faces Backlash Over Humanoid Robot Teacher Pilot Program

Executive Briefing

• Introduces 'Sally,' a $57,590 Realbotix humanoid robot, as part of a fall 2026 STEM pilot at Salamanca High School in New York.
• Raises concerns over manufacturer Realbotix's 2024 acquisition of a sex doll company for $16.7 million, prompting teacher union calls to pause deployment.
• Draws criticism from Native American residents, noting nearly 40% of students are Native American and calling the selection 'culturally tone deaf.'
• New York State education officials cite serious concerns over student privacy, data security, and professional accountability risks.
• Teachers union argues humanoid robots dehumanize education, warning against replacing human connection with AI-simulated relationships for developing youth.