New York high school pauses plan for AI robot teacher that looks suspiciously like a RealDoll

A New York school district has paused plans to install an AI-powered humanoid robot nicknamed Sally as a classroom teacher. Salamanca City Central School District backed away from deploying the robot this fall after public outcry, citing privacy and cost concerns. But much of the backlash focused on something else — the robot's appearance raised questions about whether it might be an adult novelty doll in professional clothing. According to Boing Boing, the robot's supplier, Realbotix, acquired the RealDoll manufacturer in twenty twenty-four, which made the speculation seem less far-fetched.

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