New York State Legislators Propose Ban on AI-Enabled Humanoid Robots in Instructional Roles in Schools

New York State Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia have introduced legislation to prohibit the use of AI-enabled humanoid robots in instructional capacities within school districts, charter schools, and BOCES districts. The proposals aim to establish clear guidelines for artificial intelligence in educational settings, ensuring technology supports rather than replaces human educators, while also addressing concerns regarding privacy and the evolving role of teachers. The New York State United Teachers union has also called for statewide guardrails for AI in schools.