A charter school network in San Diego has launched a pilot programme using ChatGPT-powered humanoid robots to explore how artificial intelligence can support education.
The initiative, backed by a $500,000 investment, aims to study the future role of AI in classrooms, although it has also sparked debate over its cost and effectiveness.
The programme’s main feature is Ameca, a 6-foot-2 humanoid robot with a grey silicone face, blinking blue eyes, a transparent skull with purple lighting, and exposed motors that allow it to smile, frown, and interact with students.
Altus Schools, which supports students working to recover academic credits and complete their education, described Ameca as the “world’s most advanced AI-powered humanoid robot.” The school plans to place the robots at its in-person resource centres, where students already receive one-on-one academic support.
In an email to families, Cathryn Rambo, Dean of Academic Studies at Altus Schools, said the initiative offers students an opportunity to participate in a research-based learning experience. She also said the school is excited to become the first in the world to study the use of physical AI as a teaching partner.
According to the school, Ameca can perform 4 different roles, including Sage the Teacher, Remi the Wellness Coach, Ari the College and Career Planner, and Lexi the Translator.
The project has also drawn criticism. Wayne Holmes, Professor of Critical Studies of Artificial Intelligence and Education at University College London, said there is no large-scale independent evidence showing that AI tools are effective, safe, or beneficial in classrooms. He added that growing evidence suggests the opposite. The report also noted that OpenAI has not yet fully addressed the challenge of making AI chatbots safe for children.
Meanwhile, Realbotix Corp has introduced its AI teaching assistant, Optio, through a pilot programme at Salamanca City Central School District on the Seneca Nation Reservation in New York. The district is also using a Realbotix M-Series humanoid robot to promote interactive learning and demonstrate the role of AI in education.
Optio is designed to support students and teachers by providing personalised AI avatars trained on the district’s curriculum. It offers multilingual tutoring, homework support, concept revision, and learning assistance outside school hours while encouraging AI, robotics, and STEM education.
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