Salamanca high school in Salamanca, New York, located on the Allegany territory of the Seneca nation, is set to deploy a humanoid robot and AI teaching assistant in a pilot program criticized by local educators and Native American residents.
Salamanca High School Pilot Program Details and Costs
The Cattaraugus county school district purchased the robot, named Sally, for $57,590, according to program presentations. Realbotix, a Toronto-based company formerly known as Tokens.com, stated in a press release that the district will be the first in the US to deploy a humanoid robot alongside an AI teaching assistant. Realbotix purchased Simulacra, a Las Vegas-based company known for realistic sex dolls, for $16.7m in April 2024. According to a press release by Realbotix, the Salamanca pilot includes an M-Series humanoid robot that uses natural conversation, facial expressions, and real-time interaction to create hands-on learning experiences. A presentation on the program notes that Sally will operate as a closed-loop system while remaining available virtually to students 24/7 for those with access, offering personalized learning options.
Teacher Union Criticism and Data Security Concerns
Teachers have criticized the program as inappropriate and claim it dehumanizes the profession. Lacey Pihlblad, president of the Salamanca Teachers’ Association and a high school teacher, voiced concerns regarding the background of Realbotix, software security, and data storage and gathering capabilities. Pihlblad stated that the union wants the school district to pause the implementation of the robot and AI software until more individuals can weigh in. According to Pihlblad, New York state is currently shifting away from heavy technology use in classrooms, and placing a humanoid robot into the classroom is a massive step in the wrong direction. Pihlblad added that the union is completing negotiations for a new contract and intends to include protections around artificial intelligence. Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers, told the Guardian that members and educators across the state are sounding the alarm that the program is inappropriate and creepy. Person stated that schools need more caring adults and human connection rather than screens, algorithms, or robots.
Native American Community Opposition and Historical Context
Local residents have also criticized the selection of a high school with a significant Native American population to serve as the testing ground, as nearly 40% of the student body are Native Americans. The Seneca nation declined to comment to the Guardian. Sierra May Abrams, a substitute teacher at the high school and local resident, stated that out of all the schools in New York state and the US, the district chose to experiment on Native American children. Abrams noted that their culture is struggling to survive due to the impact of Native American boarding schools and what happened to their elders, emphasizing that they live on the only reservation located in a city. Alyson Brown, a community health specialist, local resident, and Seneca nation member who graduated from Salamanca, noted that several students have connections to the traumas of Native American boarding schools, such as the Thomas Indian school located on the Cattaraugus territory. According to Brown, many native families view the pilot program as history repeating itself, and she worries for the cognitive development of young minds exposed to it.
Responses From Realbotix and State Officials
A spokesperson for Realbotix did not comment on criticisms from teachers and Native American residents or the call for a pause from the Salamanca Teachers’ Association. The spokesperson stated by email that Realbotix and the Salamanca city central school district announced a limited pilot for fall 2026 involving Optio, an AI-powered educational assistant, and one new Realbotix M-Series humanoid unit. The spokesperson added that the program is intended to complement, not replace, teachers by giving students supervised access to emerging AI and robotics tools as part of the district’s existing STEM curriculum, while giving educators an opportunity to evaluate these technologies in a controlled classroom environment under district oversight. The Salamanca city central school district and superintendent Mark Beehler did not respond to multiple requests for comment. JP O’Hare, assistant commissioner of public affairs for the New York state department of education, stated that the agency has been in contact with the school district regarding the purchase and has raised serious concerns about student privacy, appropriate safeguards, and the risk that the robot could be used to perform functions that should remain the responsibility of trained, qualified professionals.
Did you know? Realbotix, the company behind the M-Series humanoid robot deployed in Salamanca, previously operated under the name Tokens.com before acquiring a Las Vegas-based company known for realistic sex dolls in April 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the robot purchased for Salamanca high school?
The Cattaraugus county school district purchased the robot, named Sally, for $57,590.
What organizations represent the teachers opposing the pilot program?
The Salamanca Teachers’ Association and its parent union, the New York State United Teachers, have both criticized the pilot program.
What percentage of Salamanca high school students are Native American?
Nearly 40% of the high school’s student body are Native Americans.
What is the stated purpose of the robot according to Realbotix?
A Realbotix spokesperson stated the program is intended to complement, not replace, teachers by giving students supervised access to emerging AI and robotics tools as part of the district’s existing STEM curriculum.
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