New York School District Halts Humanoid Robot Plan Amid Privacy and Company Background Concerns

Pilot Project Halted

The Salamanca City Central school district announced on July 24 that its pilot project to introduce a humanoid robot at its high school has been put on hold. The district stated it needs to work through enhanced student data privacy agreements with the New York State Education Department and engage further with its community and stakeholders.

Community Backlash and Concerns

The decision to halt the project came after widespread criticism from educators and community members. The proposed robot, named Sally, from Toronto-based tech company Realbotix, was intended to provide engaging learning experiences through natural conversation and facial expressions. However, concerns were raised about the company's background, specifically its acquisition of Simulacra, a manufacturer of sex dolls.

Union Opposition

The New York State United Teachers union condemned the plan, with president Melinda Person stating, "A robot built by a company associated with sex dolls has no business in our classrooms." The union emphasized that students need relationships with human educators, not robots, to support their development. The Salamanca Teachers’ Association also expressed concerns about the security of the software and data privacy.

Robot's Intended Purpose

According to a Realbotix press release, the approximately $58,000 robot was designed to encourage student participation and provide early exposure to emerging technologies. The district serves a large Native American population on the Seneca Nation reservation in upstate New York.