Figure 03 at the White House: The Debate on Educational AI

Figure 03: An Unexpected Ambassador for Educational AI

At the Global Coalition Summit for Promoting a Shared Future, Melania Trump introduced a humanoid robot, Figure 03, as an ambassador for AI in education. This robot, capable of walking and speaking, was presented as a potential educator under the name "Plato," offering personalized and instant access to human knowledge, including philosophy and art.

Developed by Figure AI, a Silicon Valley company, Figure 03 is a third-generation robot, unveiled last October, with a price tag of around $25,000. Designed for home use, it can fold laundry, handle eggs, operate household appliances, and even serve drinks. In a business setting, its capabilities include roles as a receptionist and package delivery, thanks to its AI engine Helix.

During the event, Figure 03 spoke on the red carpet, expressing gratitude for participating in this technological and educational initiative. It welcomed attendees in multiple languages, emphasizing the importance of technology in children's education.

The First Lady stated that humanoid robots powered by AI could be placed in children's homes to assist with their education. She highlighted that these robots could develop analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, adapting in real-time to a student's pace, prior knowledge, and even emotional state.

A Summit for the Future of Education

The two-day summit brings together leaders from 45 nations and 28 technology organizations. The goal is to "empower children through education and technology," according to the White House. Participants include giants like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Palantir. This event is part of Melania Trump's Be Best: Fostering the Future initiative, launched in 2018 to raise awareness about the dangers of cyberbullying and support children affected by the opioid crisis.

U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, emphasized the importance of AI for the Department of Education. She mentioned significant investments to integrate AI into schools, enabling expert training at lower costs. McMahon stated that the Department of Education has already allocated millions of dollars in grants to support the use of AI in schools.

Reactions and Controversies

The introduction of Figure 03 has sparked mixed reactions, including criticism on social media. Some fear that these robots could replace teachers, compromising the essential human connection in education. On an Instagram post by the Huffington Post featuring the robot, commenters expressed deep skepticism, with one sarcastically noting, "Great, we’re getting rid of educators in favor of a robot," while another outright rejected the concept, stating, "No, I don’t want to imagine a world with emotionless robots educating our children."

This initiative comes amid criticism of the Trump administration, particularly following the 2025 executive order aimed at restructuring the Department of Education, leading to budget cuts and staff reductions. The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments on these concerns.