Israel's First AI Teaching Robot Supports Students

Meet Buddy, the robot that's changing how Israeli students learn without replacing a single teacher.

Israel Sci-Tech Schools launched Buddy at their Kiryat Bialik campus this school year, making it the first AI teaching assistant to work alongside educators in Israeli classrooms. The friendly robot, produced by a French company, helps students brainstorm ideas, guides them through assignments, and even leads quick movement breaks between lessons.

Students in technology classes and special education programs interact with Buddy daily. They can program the robot themselves, turning it into a hands-on learning tool that makes coding tangible and fun.

But Buddy's real superpower isn't just classroom support. The robot handles routine tasks like finding online examples and helping build lesson plans, freeing teachers to focus on creativity, critical thinking, and emotional growth with each student.

"Buddy is designed to enhance, not replace, the vital role of our teachers," said Raya Tubul, Director General of the campus. "It allows teachers to dedicate more time to meaningful student engagement while ensuring every child receives personalized attention."

The Ripple Effect

The robot's impact extends beyond the classroom walls. When students can't attend school due to illness, Buddy becomes their connection to learning and friendship.

Through a dedicated app, sick children can see, hear, and speak through Buddy in real time. The robot streams live video to their tablet or smartphone, letting them participate in lessons and chat with classmates from home or hospital beds.

"Buddy is designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation for long-term sick children," Tubul explained. No child has to miss out on learning or lose touch with friends during difficult times.

Israel Sci-Tech Schools educates 100,000 students across 264 schools, serving Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Bedouin, and Druze communities. The network focuses on STEAM education while ensuring every student, regardless of background or economic status, gets the tools to succeed.

With 500,000 high school students and 60,000 teachers across Israel, Buddy represents a thoughtful approach to educational technology that puts human connection first and uses innovation to strengthen it.