Meet Captain Pepper, an AI robot set to teach math, science, history at a Hialeah school
Meet Captain Pepper, an AI robot set to teach math, science, history at a Hialeah school
https://www.aol.com/articles/meet-captain-pepper-ai-robot-161217675.html
Publish Date: 2026-02-20 17:24:00
Source Domain: www.aol.com
The era in which artificial intelligence can help teach children has arrived in a Hialeah school.
Her name is Pepper.
What began as a grandfather’s dream to build the best possible kindergarten for his first granddaughter has pushed William “Bill” De La Sierra to continuously reinvent education. Twenty-four years ago, the real estate developer built the private school KidWorks USA from the ground up. Now he has introduced one of his boldest ideas yet: an AI-assisted robot teacher.
Pepper sports a pirate-themed wardrobe, reflecting her role as “Captain” in the classroom.
Captain Pepper, the robot teacher, prepares for her debut at KidWorks USA in Hialeah, a school offering programs from pre‑kindergarten through 7th grade.
(Alexia Fodere/for Miami Herald)
“When AI started to become popular, I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get them excited about artificial intelligence because that’s their future,’” De La Sierra told the Herald. “They’re going to have to deal with AI. I’m not.”
KidWorks USA, at 8155 W. 28th Avenue, offers classroom programs from pre‑kindergarten through 7th grade and plans to add 8th grade next year. And now, the school is introducing AI to students in an interactive way through a robot that will be able to teach three subjects: science, math and history.
On Feb. 2, Pepper was introduced to students alongside Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo. Rolling into the room, the robot quickly became the center of attention, with students eager to take photos. During a brief, scripted exchange, Calvo spoke with Pepper in English about education and leadership. She said she brings artificial intelligence into the classroom and helps future leaders grow up smart and confident to lead the country.
Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo visits KidWorks USA as the organization introduces Captain Pepper, an interactive educational AI designed to enhance student engagement and learning, in Hialeah on Feb. 2, 2026.
(Alexia Fodere/for Miami Herald)
Pepper, just one…
