It doesnt chat, gossip, or grumble about homework but De Pere High Schools newest addition is already the talk of campus.The school has invested $89,000 in a new autonomous floor scrubber, part of a growing wave of artificial i ntelligence tools making their way into education.Meet Big RedDistrict leaders recently unveiled the machine, nicknamed Big Red after a student-led naming contest. Capable of scrubbing, squeegeeing, and sanitizing floors for up to six hours without a break, the device is designed to maintain cleanliness while freeing up custodial staff for other important work.We call it a Cobot here, because its a coworker, said Noah Wetland, De Peres Building and Grounds Director.Students think its cool. Theyre always going to find something like this a really neat addition to the school, said Christopher Thompson, De Pere's Unified School District Superintendent.AI Helping, Not Replacing StaffThe autonomous cleaner officially called the ROVR navigates the building on its own, learning the best routes to tackle high-traffic areas. While some may worry about AI replacing human roles, district officials say thats not the case.Its going to do the exact opposite, Wetland explained. It allows our cleaning staff to be more strategic with their time.Christopher Thompson, De Pere Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the continued importance of custodians:Custodians are very valuable for us, he said. Theyre the ones not just keeping the building clean, but keeping the building running.Looking AheadRight now, Big Red is still mapping the school. But in the next few years, leaders say they hope to expand the fleet to keep pace with growing building needs.For students and staff, this innovative coworker is proof that technology can make everyday life and learning environments just a little cleaner. ...read more read less