California's Altus Schools has deployed ChatGPT-powered humanoid robots to assist in education. While promising, the $500,000 investment faces scrutiny over its effectiveness.
New Delhi, India Jul 1, 2026 ALN: In a groundbreaking initiative, a school network in California has introduced two ChatGPT-powered humanoid robots to work alongside teachers and support students. Altus Schools, a charter school network serving thousands of students across San Diego County, has invested $500,000 in two life-sized Ameca robots. School officials at Altus Schools have hailed Ameca as the “world’s most advanced AI-powered humanoid robot” and say the machines are part of a pilot program exploring how artificial intelligence and robots could one day help educate students. However, critics have raised concerns about whether such an expensive experiment should be introduced to students.
The robots, called Ameca, were developed by UK-based robotics company Engineered Arts. Standing about 6 feet 2 inches tall, these humanoid robots can hold conversations, make eye contact, smile, blink, and respond with lifelike facial expressions. Their conversational abilities are powered by ChatGPT, allowing them to answer questions, explain concepts, and interact naturally with students.
“We are thrilled to be the first school in the world researching the use of physical AI as a teaching partner,” said Cathryn Rambo, Altus’ dean of academic studies.
Altus Schools has programmed the robots to switch between four different personas depending on student needs:
School leaders aim to understand whether students engage differently with a physical robot than with a chatbot on a laptop or phone. Researchers refer to this concept as "physical AI" or "embodied AI." The idea is that facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and body language could make interactions feel more natural and encourage participation.
The pilot program is designed to study whether these human-like features can improve learning experiences and student engagement.
The robots have already participated in classroom demonstrations. During one session, students asked the robot to role-play as inventor Nikola Tesla while discussing scientific concepts. While the activity showcased the robot's conversational abilities, it also revealed some challenges. School officials noted that the robot occasionally interrupted students, spoke too quickly, and required questions to be repeated before providing useful answers. Administrators described the experience as a work in progress rather than a finished product.
To address concerns around AI use in schools, Altus Schools has implemented strict measures. Students are never left alone with the robots, and all interactions are supervised by staff. School officials assure that conversations are not permanently stored, and students are encouraged to fact-check information provided by the AI, as generative AI systems can some produce incorrect answers.
This experiment comes at a time when schools around the world are increasingly exploring AI tools for tutoring, language translation, and personalized learning. Supporters believe humanoid robots could provide additional support for students and help schools prepare learners for an AI-driven future. Critics, however, question whether expensive robots deliver enough educational value to justify their cost and caution that students must continue developing independent thinking skills.
For now, the San Diego project remains an early test. However, it offers a glimpse into how classrooms may evolve as artificial intelligence becomes a more significant part of everyday education.
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