Galgotias University removed from India AI Impact Summit after robotic dog controversy

Galgotias University was removed from the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi following a viral controversy over a robotic dog that was allegedly presented as an indigenous innovation.

The incident unfolded during the summit when Professor Neha Singh, identified as the university’s Head of Communications, introduced a robotic dog named “Orion” in an interview with DD News. She stated that the robot had been “developed” by the university’s Centre of Excellence as part of a ₹350 crore investment in artificial intelligence.

Fact-check sparks backlash

Soon after the presentation, technology enthusiasts and social media users identified the robot as a Unitree Go2, a commercially available quadruped robot manufactured by Unitree Robotics. The model is mass-produced and priced at approximately ₹2–3 lakh (around $2,800), contradicting claims of indigenous development.

The revelation triggered widespread criticism online, with users accusing the institution of misrepresenting imported technology as a domestic breakthrough.

Removal from summit

Following the backlash, government authorities and summit organizers ordered the university to vacate its stall on February 18, 2026. Reports indicated that electricity to the pavilion was disconnected before the team cleared the premises.

The move drew national attention, raising questions about verification processes at major technology events and the scrutiny applied to institutional claims.

University response and apology

Initially, the university described the criticism as a “propaganda campaign.” However, it later issued a formal apology, attributing the controversy to an “ill-informed” representative who was “not authorized to speak to the press.”

The university clarified that the robot was intended as a learning tool for students rather than a proprietary innovation and said internal measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Political and public reaction

The controversy quickly entered the political arena. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the summit, calling it a "disorganized PR spectacle.” The Congress party alleged that promoting imported Chinese technology as an Indian innovation risked damaging the country’s global credibility.

The matter was also raised in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, where legislators called for an impartial investigation into the university’s claims and broader issues of academic transparency and integrity.

aThe episode has sparked wider debate about authenticity in India’s fast-growing AI sector and the importance of clear communication when showcasing technological advancements on national platforms.