Humanoid Robot to Join New York High School Classroom as AI Education Expands

Education is taking another step into the future as a New York school district prepares to become the first in the country to bring a humanoid robot into a classroom.

Salamanca High School in Western New York will begin using the robot, named Sally, this fall when students return for the new school year.

The humanoid robot is not intended to replace classroom teachers, but instead will provide additional support for students and educators.

The robot was developed by Realbotix, and the Salamanca City School District approved the purchase during a board meeting last month.

“This deployment in a working school district represents a landmark moment for both AI and humanoid robotics,” Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel told New York Focus. “Salamanca marks the beginning of a new era where humanoid robots and intelligent AI assistants become standard tools in STEM education.”

According to Kiguel, Sally will have silicone skin, long brown hair and remain in a seated, stationary position. The robot will be able to perform upper-body movements and display facial expressions.

Students interacting with Sally will use individual identification codes, allowing the system to track learning data and provide more personalized support.

The robot’s first role will be in a high school artificial intelligence and robotics course that uses curriculum developed by Apple.

“Many schools are taking the easy solution of simply banning it, but I have found that students will find a way around most rules that schools put in place,” Salamanca Superintendent Mark Beehler told New York Focus. “I also believe it is critical for schools to teach proper use of technology, not simply exclude it.”

The district said Sally will not use facial recognition technology or recording capabilities.

The humanoid robot will cost the Salamanca City School District $57,590, according to the purchase contract between the district and Realbotix.