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AI robot teacher program halted in New York amid controversy over adult robot ties

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A pilot program to introduce AI robot 'Sally' as a high school teaching assistant in Salamanca, New York, was halted due to backlash from parents and teachers.
  • Concerns were raised about the robot's human-like appearance and potential to hinder human connection between teachers and students.
  • The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Sally's manufacturer, Realbotix, has a sister company that produces AI-based adult robots, leading to the suspension of the program for further review.

A plan to introduce an AI robot named 'Sally' as a teaching assistant in a New York high school has been suspended following strong opposition from parents and teachers. The Salamanca City Central School District had intended to use the $58,000 robot to support students in subjects like math and science, aiming to provide technological exposure to students in an economically disadvantaged area.

I know people thought we were bringing in a Terminator. This robot doesn't walk the halls.

— Mark Bixler (Salamanca Superintendent)Bixler attempted to reassure teachers that the AI robot was not meant to replace them or be a disruptive presence.

Sally was designed with input from students, featuring a female appearance with black hair, a bright personality, and local historical knowledge. However, the prospect of a humanoid robot in the classroom sparked immediate concerns. Critics argued that such technology could undermine the essential human connection between educators and students and criticized the uncritical expansion of technology in schools.

There is no reason for a robot made by a company associated with adult products to enter the classroom.

— New York State United TeachersThe union voiced strong opposition due to the manufacturer's ties to the adult entertainment industry.

The controversy escalated significantly when it emerged that Sally's manufacturer, Realbotix, has a sister company known for producing AI-powered adult robots and marketing them as 'the world's most advanced sex robots.' This revelation fueled parental and teacher anxieties, with the New York State United Teachers union stating there was no reason for a robot from a company linked to adult products to be in a classroom.

It is natural for many parents, teachers, and stakeholders to be concerned about the emergence of AI technology, especially robots that resemble humans, in the classroom.

— Betty Rosa (New York State Education Commissioner)Rosa acknowledged the widespread concerns about introducing humanoid AI robots into educational settings.

Despite assurances from Salamanca's superintendent that Sally was not intended to replace teachers, the public outcry led New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa to express concern. She acknowledged the unease surrounding AI and humanoid robots in classrooms, citing potential educational, legal, and privacy issues. Consequently, the school district has paused the program to conduct further reviews, including developing student privacy agreements and gathering community feedback. Realbotix has stated that its adult product division is not involved in the Salamanca project, but acknowledged the value of healthy skepticism.

There were numerous misunderstandings.

— Mark Bixler (Salamanca Superintendent)Bixler expressed regret over the program's suspension, attributing it to a lack of understanding and public attention.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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