Salamanca/Schools

Salamanca Schools Pause Humanoid Robot Program Amid Privacy Concerns

Salamanca City Central School District put its plan to deploy a nearly $60,000 humanoid robot, nicknamed 'Sally,' on hold after state officials and the statewide teachers union raised objections. The robot, built by Nevada-based Realbotix, was intended to support high school robotics and technology students rather than replace a classroom teacher. State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa flagged unresolved student data-privacy questions and pushed back on characterizations of the robot as a 'tutoring platform,' while New York State United Teachers criticized the vendor's ties to adult-product manufacturing. The district announced Friday, July 24, 2026, that the pilot would remain paused while it works out enhanced data-privacy agreements with the state and hears from the community.