The Salamanca City Central School District has paused plans to introduce a humanoid robot in a high school classroom amid privacy concerns and community backlash, according to New York Focus.
The district said it will work with the state Education Department on stronger student data protections and continue discussions with parents and other stakeholders.
Education Commissioner Betty Rosa raised concerns about the robot’s potential impact on students after state officials met with district leaders.
The district approved the $57,590 pilot with Realbotix last month and had planned to launch the robot and a related artificial intelligence assistant program this fall.
Realbotix said the technology was intended to support teachers and students, while critics questioned student privacy, screen time and the company’s ties to the adult entertainment industry.
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