Preparing Students for Tomorrow While Keeping Learning at the Center
Salamanca City Central School District is proud to announce the launch of an innovative pilot program featuring a Realbotix educational robot and digital avatar designed to support teaching and learning in our high school STEAM program.
Beginning this school year, a small group of students enrolled in Woz Ed Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) courses, along with participating staff members, will have the opportunity to explore this exciting new educational resource.
Unlike many artificial intelligence tools that simply provide answers, the Realbotix robot and digital avatar are designed to encourage critical thinking and foster learning. The technology has been loaded exclusively with district-approved curriculum, instructional strategies, and historical information about Salamanca. When students ask questions, the robot guides them through the learning process rather than completing the work for them.
Privacy and Safety First
The district recognizes that introducing new technology brings important questions about privacy and security. Protecting student information remains a top priority.
The Realbotix system:
- Does not collect personally identifiable information.
- Does not record video or audio.
- Does not transmit data to the Realbotix Corporation.
- Operates in accordance with district policies and New York State privacy requirements.
Because the robot only knows the information intentionally loaded by the district, it does not search the internet or generate responses beyond its approved knowledge base. If asked a question outside its knowledge, it simply responds, “I don’t know,” and encourages users to consult another educational resource.
The system also includes extensive safety guardrails that redirect conversations away from inappropriate topics and back toward educational content.
What Makes This Different?
While many people compare educational technology to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or other Large Language Models (LLMs), this pilot is fundamentally different.
The Realbotix educational robot:
- Operates using locally stored educational content.
- Does not rely on massive AI data centers.
- Uses approximately the same amount of electricity as a laptop.
- Remains stationary and does not move throughout the building.
- Focuses entirely on educational applications.
Supporting Teachers—Not Replacing Them
Perhaps the most important message is what this pilot is not.
The Realbotix educational robot will never replace teachers, staff members, or meaningful human interaction. Instead, it serves as another instructional tool that educators can use to engage students, reinforce classroom learning, and spark curiosity about emerging technologies.
Teachers remain at the center of every learning experience.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, Salamanca City Central School District remains committed to exploring innovative tools that prepare students for college, careers, and life while maintaining the highest standards for safety, privacy, and educational excellence.
This pilot program represents another step toward ensuring our students graduate with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce while preserving the relationships and instructional practices that make Salamanca schools exceptional.
Innovation with purpose. Learning with integrity. Preparing students for the future.