US firm to deploy humanoid robot teaching assistant in New York schools
Schools in the US are set to introduce a humanoid robot into classrooms as part of a pilot program aimed at enhancing student engagement and AI-assisted learning. Realbotix has launched its AI-powered teacher’s assistant, Optio, at Salamanca City Central School District, alongside the deployment of its M-Series humanoid robot. The initiative will initially support classroom activities and interactive learning, with plans to expand the program to approximately 500 high school students in the fall of 2026, according to the company. In December 2025, Norwegian tech firm No Isolation introduced the AV1 classroom robot, enabling children with long-term illnesses to attend lessons remotely. AI meets classroom The initiative combines AI tutoring software with deployment of the company’s M-Series humanoid robot, creating what Realbotix describes as an interactive learning environment for high school students. Optio serves as an AI-powered teacher’s assistant and at-home tutor, enabling students to interact with personalized digital avatars trained on district-approved curriculum. The system provides concept reinforcement, one-on-one tutoring, multilingual homework assistance, and around-the-clock academic support. Realbotix said the platform includes education-specific safety controls, district oversight, and safeguards designed to prevent inappropriate responses. It is also tailored to support neurodiverse learners through personalized learning pathways and continuous access to educational resources. The pilot will initially be used by students enrolled in Woz ED AI and Robotics courses, reflecting Salamanca’s designation as a Woz ED STEM Pathway district. The program is expected to expand to approximately 500 high school students in the fall of 2026. “We are moving beyond lab demonstrations and pilots to deliver real, embodied AI directly into classrooms — supporting teachers, engaging students, and proving that advanced robotics can thrive in live educational environments,” said Andrew Kiguel, CEO of Realbotix, in a statement . Robotic teaching assistant Designed for interactive, face-to-face engagement, the M-Series robot combines natural language processing, expressive facial movements and real-time conversational abilities to communicate with students in a human-like manner during classroom activities. The robot is capable of responding to questions, participating in discussions, and delivering educational content through spoken interaction, allowing students to engage directly with embodied artificial intelligence rather than through a traditional screen-based interface. By incorporating realistic facial expressions and responsive dialogue, the system is intended to create a more immersive and engaging learning experience. The robot will also be used alongside Woz ED AI and Robotics courses, allowing students to explore how advanced AI systems perceive, process, and respond to human input. Through hands-on interaction, learners can gain practical exposure to concepts such as conversational AI , machine learning, robotics engineering, and human-machine collaboration. Realbotix said the deployment is designed not only to support classroom engagement but also to help students better understand emerging technologies that are expected to play a growing role across industries. The initiative serves as a real-world demonstration of embodied AI, showing how humanoid robots can interact with people, assist learning environments, and potentially support future educational applications.
Source: Interesting Engineering