Galgotias University recently faced intense public scrutiny during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The “Galgotias University Robot Dog Row” began when the institution showcased a robotic dog named “Orion.” While the university presented it as a result of their AI initiatives, observers quickly identified the machine as a commercially available Chinese product.
| Event Name | India AI Impact Summit 2026 |
| Product Name | “Orion” (Identified as Unitree Go2) |
| Origin | China (Unitree Robotics) |
| Outcome | The university vacated the expo stall |
The row started after a viral video showed a university representative claiming the robot was “developed” by their Centre of Excellence. Tech experts on social media pointed out that the device was actually the Unitree Go2, a Chinese robot sold globally for roughly Rs 1.4 to 3 lakh.
Critics accused the university of misrepresenting imported technology as an in-house innovation. This caused significant embarrassment at a national summit intended to highlight domestic Indian progress in artificial intelligence.
Official apology and action taken on the Galgotias University robot dog row controversy
Following the backlash, the university issued a formal apology. They clarified that they never intended to claim they manufactured the robot. The institution explained the following points:
- The university blamed the mistake on an “ill-informed” representative who spoke without authorization.
- They stated they purchased the robot dog to provide students with hands-on experience with global tech.
- Understanding the organizers’ sentiments, the university vacated its pavilion, and power to the stall was cut off.
The Ministry and summit organizers emphasized that exhibitors must only display original work. The university maintains that its goal remains to prepare students to build such technologies in India in the future.
