What happens when your teammate isn't human? In this episode, Tricia Friedman explores the rise of AI-powered robotics in sports—from Stephen Curry's new training partner A.B.E. (Automated Basketball Engine) to motivational robot K.I.T.—and why these breakthroughs signal urgent lessons for K12 school leaders.

If robots can wear team colors and offer pep talks in the NBA, what does that mean for the classroom, playground, and future of education? This conversation digs into the world of Companion AI, emotional engineering, and what it means for leadership, identity, and belonging.

You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How AI robotics are transforming professional sports and teamwork

• Why AI companions are already in classrooms—as learning buddies, wellness check-ins, and more

• What school leaders need to know now about emotional AI and trust

• Key questions to help educators, parents, and communities prepare for this shift

• How workshops can help schools move from curiosity to strategy when it comes to AI in education

Why It Matters Sports are often the front line for cultural change. As AI companions move from locker rooms to classrooms, leaders face a choice: ignore the shift, or learn to navigate it with intention. The stakes aren't just technological—they're emotional, ethical, and human.

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Reach out to Tricia with questions:

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