This San Diego charter school bought $500,000 worth of humanoid robots for the classroom
The newest teacher at San Diego charter school chain Altus Schools stands 6’2″, has bright blue eyes, and a bald head. It is also a robot. Ameca, which the school touts as the “world’s most advanced AI-powered humanoid robot,” is the name of a pair of robots purchased by the school for a combined, eyebrow-raising figure of $500,000. The purchase is raising questions among parents and community members. Altus expects the Chat GPT-enabled robots to be onsite this fall. Principal Cathryn Rambo wrote in an email to families that she was “thrilled to be the first school in the world researching the use of physical AI as a teaching partner,” according to Voice of San Diego, which reviewed the email. Altus charter schools are designed for students who have fallen behind academically. They are given the chance to fast-track classes and catch up. The schools, particularly the San Diego location, have been credited with helping students succeed at impressive rates. Students typically work independently, but they can go to one of several resource centers for one-on-one lessons. That is where the robots come in. Ameca can switch between four different personas for students. Three of them, Sage the Teacher, Ari the College and Career Planner, and Lexi the Translator, are about what you would expect from a school-based robot. The fourth, though, a persona called “Remi the Wellness Coach,” is raising concerns. Students who struggle academically are often from at-risk environments, with higher stress and anxiety levels and possible self-esteem issues. Some might struggle socially. That can make them more susceptible to forming an unhealthy or harmful relationship with AI. A 2025 study by Common Sense Media and Stanford University found that leading AI companion platforms pose “very serious risks” for teens by simulating real relationships and creating emotional bonds. That can worsen mental health struggles and discourage real-world friendships. &