Robot Teacher's Aide Helps Kids Learn in Israeli School

Students at a high school in Kiryat Bialik, Israel now have an unexpected classroom helper: a small robot that moves between desks, answers their questions, and reminds them to stretch during long lessons.

Israel Sci-Tech Schools introduced Buddy, an AI-powered teaching assistant, at the start of this school year. The French-made robot works in technology classes and special education classrooms, supporting teachers rather than replacing them.

Buddy helps with everyday teaching tasks like planning lessons, pulling examples from online resources, and guiding students through assignments. Teachers can focus more energy on connecting with individual students while Buddy handles routine support.

Students also get to program Buddy themselves as hands-on learning practice. The robot becomes both a teaching tool and a subject to study.

Raya Tubul, the campus director, says the goal is giving every child more personalized attention. "Buddy is designed to enhance, not replace, the vital role of our teachers," she explained.

The Ripple Effect

The robot's most touching role may be keeping sick children connected to their classmates. When a student can't attend school due to illness, Buddy becomes their eyes and ears in the classroom.

Using a simple app, the robot streams live video from class to a child's device at home. Students recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions can still see their friends, hear discussions, and participate in lessons.

"Buddy is designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation for long-term sick children," Tubul said. Missing weeks of school doesn't have to mean falling behind or losing touch with classmates.

With roughly 500,000 high school students and 60,000 teachers across Israel, this pilot program represents a careful approach to classroom technology. The school network wants to harness innovation while keeping human connection at the center of education.

The children who feel most isolated may soon feel a little less alone, thanks to a robot that helps them stay part of their classroom community.