A humanoid robot named Sally was set to debut at Salamanca High School in Salamanca, New York, part of a $57,590 pilot program by the Cattaraugus County School District. The Realbotix M-Series robot, developed by Toronto-based Realbotix (formerly Tokens.com), would serve as an AI teaching assistant available 24/7 virtually. The district would be the first in the US to deploy such technology.

The Salamanca Teachers' Association, led by president Lacey Pihlblad, strongly opposes the program, calling it "inappropriate" and "creepy." Teachers cite concerns about student privacy, data security, and the dehumanization of education. Melinda Person, president of New York State United Teachers, echoed these fears, stating children need human connection, not lifeless machines. The union is negotiating contract protections around AI.

Local Native American residents, including Sierra May Abrams and Alyson Brown, criticize the program as "culturally tone deaf." Nearly 40% of students are Native American, many with ties to historical boarding school trauma. They view the robot pilot as experimentation on their children. The Seneca Nation declined comment.

Realbotix says the fall 2026 pilot aims to complement teachers within STEM curriculum. The New York State Education Department raised "serious concerns" about privacy and the robot performing functions requiring trained professionals. Superintendent Mark Beehler did not respond to requests for comment.