“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.” Unionized teachers took aim at Realbotix’s sex doll sister company, even as district officials and the company itself stressed the two manufacturers operate independently. State officials and teacher voice concernsState Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said she remained concerned about the robot’s role in the classroom even after her staff met with district officials. District officials defend robot purchaseBeehler stressed the pilot, which also includes rollout of a virtual, AI-powered teacher’s assistant and at-home tutoring program, is not about replacing staff. “There is no possible way a robot can replace a human in a school,” he said Tuesday.