Manufacturers are already testing robot technology, and it’s possible that in the next decade, these machines could start appearing in school environments. According to a deputy editor from a trends and forecasting magazine, education is particularly ready for transformation.

The challenge of overcrowded classrooms means students often don’t receive the individual attention they need. As one expert, Patrick Tucker, points out, placing a child in a class of 64 isn’t conducive to optimal learning. Tucker also references experiments in Japan where robots, operated remotely by humans, assist with elderly care. He envisions that similar technology could allow exceptional teachers to extend their reach, effectively being present in multiple locations at once. However, he emphasizes that robots should serve as platforms for connecting students with their teachers when they can’t be there in person, rather than replacing educators entirely.