Galgotias University Faces Backlash Over Robotic Dog at AI Impact Summit

What Happened

Galgotias University was asked to vacate its stall at the AI Impact Summit Expo in Bharat Mandapam after a robotic dog, showcased as an in-house innovation, was identified as a commercially available product from China. The robot, named “Orion,” was recognized as the Unitree Go2, manufactured by the Chinese firm Unitree. This incident occurred during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Why It Matters

The controversy has raised significant concerns regarding the representation of domestic innovation at a national AI event. Critics argue that presenting an imported product as a university-developed innovation undermines the event’s purpose of promoting local advancements in artificial intelligence. Following the backlash, the power at Galgotias University’s pavilion was reportedly cut off, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding the incident.

What’s Next

In response to the backlash, Galgotias University issued a clarification regarding the robotic dog. Assistant Professor Neha Singh, who presented the robot, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate. As the summit continues, the university’s future participation in similar events may be scrutinized, and further discussions on the importance of showcasing genuine domestic innovations are expected.