Galgotias University asked to vacate AI Summit over Chinese robodog row after a major controversy erupted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, sources said. The incident occurred when a viral video showed representatives from the Greater Noida-based institution displaying a robotic dog at their expo stall, which was later identified as a Chinese-made unit rather than an original in-house innovation.
The controversy has drawn widespread criticism both online and offline, prompting event organisers to remove Galgotias University from the expo space. The incident has also sparked broader debates about transparency at major technology showcases, especially those positioned to highlight indigenous research and development.
Summit Turned Controversy Spot
The India AI Impact Summit, held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, is designed as a key platform for academics, innovators, startups and corporations to present advancements in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. However, what began as a routine exhibition quickly escalated into a public relations crisis for Galgotias University.
At the centre of the dispute was a quadruped robotic dog named “Orion,” which the university showcased at its booth. Videos circulating on social media showed a university representative introducing the robot and appearing to imply that it had been developed at Galgotias’ Centre of Excellence. The footage rapidly went viral, with eagle-eyed observers identifying the device as the Unitree Go2 — a commercially available Chinese robot marketed by Unitree Robotics.
The identification triggered a wave of criticism from social media users, technology commentators and some political figures, who argued that presenting Chinese technology as indigenous at a flagship Indian AI event undermined the broader narrative of national innovation and self-reliance.
Expo Stall Removal and Reactions
Following the escalation of online backlash, event organisers reportedly asked Galgotias University to vacate its exhibition stall at the summit. Some reports also noted that power at the university’s pavilion was cut off after the row intensified, underscoring how seriously the situation was taken by expo officials.
In response, Galgotias University has issued statements attempting to clarify its position. The institution insisted that it had never formally claimed the robotic dog was an indigenous development and that the device was part of a learning exercise intended to give students exposure to advanced robotics. The university called the controversy a result of misunderstanding and misinterpretation of its showcase.
Professor Neha Singh, who appeared in the original viral video, later explained that the robot had been brought to the summit primarily for demonstration and student research purposes. She clarified that the university had not designed or manufactured the hardware itself, though there were suggestions that wording used during the live presentation might have been misunderstood by viewers.
Broader Debate Over Academic Innovation
Critics of the university’s actions highlighted that technology events like the India AI Impact Summit are meant to amplify genuine local innovation. Many observers noted that ambiguity in how the robot was introduced raised questions about accountability and reputation management at academic institutions.
The episode has also generated discussion within India’s tech community about how educational institutions should engage with emerging technologies sourced from global players while maintaining clear communication about the nature of their involvement. Some experts pointed out that showcasing third-party products for instructional purposes is common in academic settings, but emphasised that transparency about origin is essential, especially at high-profile events.
Political and Public Response
The controversy has even drawn reactions from political quarters. Some opposition figures criticised the perceived misrepresentation at a summit otherwise touted as a showcase for India’s digital leadership. Statements on social platforms underscored concerns about how such incidents might impact the country’s image in global technology dialogues.
Meanwhile, summit organisers and participating institutions have maintained focus on the broader goals of the event, which include supporting AI research, facilitating partnerships and highlighting domestic and international innovations in artificial intelligence.
Despite the turbulence, the India AI Impact Summit continues, with other exhibitors and stakeholders emphasising productive engagement and forward-looking discussions on artificial intelligence trends, ethical AI deployment, workforce readiness and the future of innovation in India.
The episode involving Galgotias University serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between academic exhibition, technological authenticity, public perception and media scrutiny at major technology events.