Galgotias University faced intense online backlash after showcasing a Chinese-made robodog named Orion at India AI Impact Summit
New Delhi: Authorities asked Galgotias University to vacate its exhibition stall at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after a controversy erupted over a robotic dog displayed at its booth. The issue began when a video from the summit went viral on social media, triggering strong reactions online.
The summit, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academic institutions and global technology experts to discuss artificial intelligence, innovation and future technologies.
The controversy started after a video clip showed a representative at the Galgotias University stall introducing a robotic dog and saying that it had been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University. In the same interaction, the representative also said that the university was the first private university to invest around ₹350 crore in Artificial Intelligence.
The robot displayed at the stall was reportedly named “Orion” during the presentation.
Identity Of Robot
Soon after the video spread, technology observers and social media users identified the robotic dog as the Unitree Go2, a quadruped robot manufactured by Chinese company Unitree Robotics. The product is commercially available and not developed in-house by the university.
Users questioned whether the university had presented a commercially available imported product as its own innovation at a major international AI summit.
Harsh Kumar’s Post
The issue gained momentum after a user named Harsh Kumar shared the video clip on X, formerly Twitter. In his post, he wrote that the robotic dog had been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University. He also quoted the statement that the university had invested around ₹350 crores in Artificial Intelligence.
His post included the video from the summit and quickly gained attention, leading to widespread discussion and criticism online.
Social Media Reaction
Following the viral post, many users accused the university of misleading the public. Critics argued that the wording used in the presentation clearly gave the impression that the robotic dog was an original development of the institution.
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Among them, a user named Skin Doctor on X shared a detailed criticism of the university’s actions. The user said the main issue was not that the university had used a Chinese product. Instead, the concern was that the robot was rebranded as “Orion” and showcased at India’s AI Summit in a way that created a strong impression that it was an Indian innovation.
The user pointed out that even if the university did not directly say it had built the robot, anything presented at an event branded as an “India” AI Summit would naturally be assumed to be Indian-made. According to the post, by bringing a Chinese-made robotic dog into that space without clearly disclosing its origin, the university blurred the line between demonstration and innovation.
The post further argued that the presentation was so convincing that Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the video as part of India’s “sovereign models,” which strengthened the public perception that the robot was an indigenous development. The user suggested that this reinforced what many now see as a misleading impression and added to the intensity of the backlash online.
His remarks added another layer to the social media reaction, shifting the debate from whether the university technically claimed ownership to whether the overall presentation created a false narrative at a national-level technology summit.
This community note further intensified the debate, with many users saying that clear communication was essential at such high-profile global events.
University Clarification
After the backlash grew, Galgotias University issued an official clarification through its verified X account.
In its statement addressed to “Dear Friends,” the university said its mission had always been to keep students ahead in technology for both the present and the future. It stated that it consistently brings cutting-edge technologies from global innovation hubs such as the United States, China and Singapore to its campus because exposure creates vision and vision creates creators.
The university explained that the recently acquired Robodog from Unitree was part of that effort. It described the robot as not just a machine on display but as a classroom in motion where students experiment, test limits and expand their knowledge.
The statement clearly said that Galgotias had not built the robodog and had not claimed to build it. It added that while the university did not manufacture the robot, it was building minds that would soon design, engineer and manufacture such technologies in India.
The university further said that innovation knows no borders and learning should not either. It stated that it would continue to source the best technologies from across the world so students could study them, challenge them, improve them and ultimately create world-class solutions from India for the world. It emphasised that the goal was not importing technology but inspiring transformation and empowering young innovators to dream bigger and build those dreams in India.
Government Action
Despite the clarification, government sources said the controversy overshadowed the spirit of the India AI Impact Summit. Officials reportedly believed that the situation could affect the credibility of the event, which aims to promote genuine innovation and responsible AI development.
As a result, authorities asked Galgotias University to vacate its exhibition space immediately. Organisers also removed the university from the official exhibitor lineup. While no detailed public statement was issued, sources indicated that officials took the decision to prevent further distraction and maintain the summit’s focus.
Investment Claims Debate
During the presentation and in the viral clip, the university highlighted its investment of around ₹350 crore in Artificial Intelligence initiatives. It positioned itself as the first private university to make such a significant investment in AI infrastructure and education.
However, critics argued that large investments must be accompanied by clarity and transparency, especially at international platforms where institutions represent India’s technological progress.
Summit Continues
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 continues with discussions on responsible AI, innovation ecosystems and India’s growing role in the global AI landscape. Leading researchers, policymakers and industry experts remain engaged in panels and exhibitions.
Meanwhile, the robodog controversy has become one of the most talked-about incidents of the summit. The episode highlights how quickly a viral video and social media reaction can shape public debate and how important clear communication and transparency are when showcasing technology at prestigious international events.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
