Parents in uproar after college buys AI trainer constructed by intercourse doll agency as plan blocked
Plans for an AI classroom robot are on hold following widespread outrage over the tech manufacturer’s connection to a company that makes sex dolls
An AI-generated image from Realbotix showing a likeness of their humanoid robot in a classroom setting(Image: Realbotix)
Furious parents and teachers have forced a school to pause plans for a $60,000 (£44,000) AI robot over its link to a high-tech sex doll firm. The Salamanca City Central School District in upstate New York put introducing the life-sized, dark-haired humanoid bot – nicknamed “Sally” – on hold following a massive local backlash.
The purchase of the robot from tech company Realbotix was previously approved to help high schoolers study robotics and technology.
Unveiling the plans, Superintendent Mark Beehler said: “Having a difficult time programming an Arduino board? Don’t even know what an Arduino board is? Ask Sally and she can explain it.
The purchase of the robot from tech company Realbotix was previously approved to help high schoolers(Image: Realbotix/Cover Images)
“The robot also provides opportunities for students to learn how the robot is maintained, how it is updated with new approved content, and how to troubleshoot issues.”
However, outrage erupted in the small community when locals discovered the manufacturer’s ties to an adult entertainment brand.
While Realbotix focuses on education and healthcare, its sister company holds an ownership stake in RealDoll – makers of what they claim is the “world’s most advanced sex robot.” Union leaders quickly slammed the move to bring the bot into classrooms.
Union leaders quickly slammed the move to bring the bot into classrooms(Image: Realbotix/Cover Images)
Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers union, said: “A robot built by a company associated with sex dolls has no business in our classrooms.”
She added: “Our students don’t need robots. They need real relationships with caring adults.”
Fears were also raised over data privacy and whether the move was a subtle step toward replacing human teachers.
State education commissioner Betty Rosa stepped in, writing to the district to voice her concerns after the bot was described to the board as a “tutoring platform.”
School officials have frantically tried to reassure the public, insisting Sally will not replace staff, collect personal data, or record video and audio.
The district also confirmed the bot is blocked from searching the internet for adult topics, while Realbotix denied Sally was just a repurposed adult toy.
Defending the purchase, Beehler claimed the tech would give local kids a chance to experience cutting-edge equipment without traveling for hours.
He said: “There is no possible way a robot can replace a human in a school. Even if it were possible, it would in no way be in the best interest of students. Teaching is a human-to-human process.”
Despite the reassurances, locals remain unimpressed. Former student Joplin Ficek said: “They just need to hire more people who are willing to put in the effort for the children. They need more interaction with the children than having some robot raise our kids.”
The district confirmed the rollout is on hold while it works on data privacy agreements with state officials.
