The Salamanca City Central School District in New York has paused its pilot program for an AI-driven robot teaching assistant, named Sally, following concerns about student data privacy and the manufacturer's business associations. The district had approved the purchase of the humanoid robot for nearly $60,000.
Sally, designed with lifelike silicone skin and capable of facial expressions and upper-body movements, was intended to serve as a tutor for upper grades. School officials emphasized that the robot would not replace human teachers but would act as a supplementary tool, remembering student interactions and tailoring responses. The robot operates on a closed AI system with no student data transmitted to manufacturers, according to district statements.
Controversy Surrounds Manufacturer and Data Privacy
The program has faced scrutiny due to two primary issues. Firstly, concerns have arisen regarding the privacy of student data shared with the robot. The district stated it is working on enhanced student data privacy agreements with state education officials and conducting community outreach.
Secondly, media reports highlighted that Realbotix, the manufacturer of Sally, has a sister company, Intima LLC, which holds an ownership stake in RealDoll, a company known for manufacturing AI-powered sex dolls. Realbotix has asserted that its educational robotics business operates separately from its direct-to-consumer products, stating there is "no crossover" and that Realbotix LLC focuses exclusively on non-adult commercial applications.
Despite these assurances, the district has paused the rollout to address the community's concerns. A now-deleted statement from the district indicated the pause was to work through data privacy agreements and engage in community outreach.
Robot's Role and Manufacturer's Response
Superintendent Mark Beehler stated that the robot cannot replace a human teacher, emphasizing that teaching is a "human-to-human process." However, he noted that the program aimed to provide rural students with exposure to emerging technologies and inspire interest in STEAM-related career pathways, as many students in the area must travel significant distances to access such opportunities.
A spokesperson for Realbotix stated that the company respects the district's decision to pause the pilot and is working with the district and the New York State Education Department to establish an appropriate data privacy agreement. The physical robot has not yet been deployed.
Realbotix clarified that the proposed unit would operate locally, not connect to the public internet, and would not record audio or video or use facial recognition. Student authentication would be handled by the district's existing systems, with any student-linked information remaining encrypted and under the district's control. The company stated that Realbotix would not receive, access, or store personally identifiable student information or interactions.
The company further refuted characterizations that the technology would replace teachers, likening its role to that of a calculator or laboratory apparatus. They also denied that any existing consumer product or hardware was being modified or repurposed for the school project, reiterating that Realbotix LLC focuses on non-adult commercial applications and that no adult-products business is involved in the Salamanca project.