Delhi: Galgotias University was asked to vacate its exhibition stall at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi following a controversy over a robotic dog showcased at the event, sources said. The decision came after questions were raised about the origin of the technology displayed at the university’s booth.
The summit, which focuses on highlighting advances in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, was being held with participation from academic institutions, startups, and industry players.
Viral Video Puts Spotlight on University Display
The issue surfaced after a video from the expo area went viral on social media on Tuesday. In the clip, representatives from Galgotias University were seen explaining the features of a robotic dog and referring to it as a product developed by the institution’s Centre of Excellence.
The video drew immediate attention online, with several users questioning whether the robot was genuinely developed in-house.
Robot Found to Be Imported Commercial Product
Social media users later identified the robotic dog as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available quadruped robot manufactured by Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics. The model is sold in India through online platforms and is priced between ₹2 lakh and ₹3 lakh.
At the summit, the robot was displayed under the name “Orion,” which further fueled confusion about its origin.
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Claims of In-House Development Challenged Online
In one widely shared clip, a woman identified as a university representative told reporters that the robot had been developed at Galgotias University’s Centre of Excellence. In another video, a faculty member made a similar statement during a media interaction.
These claims were quickly disputed by netizens, who accused the university of presenting imported technology as an indigenous innovation.
Professor Accepts Responsibility for Miscommunication
Responding to the backlash, Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University, who presented the robot at the summit, accepted responsibility for the misunderstanding. She said the controversy arose due to a failure to clearly communicate the intent behind displaying the robot.
“The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly. I take accountability that perhaps I did not communicate it properly,” she said. She clarified that the university never claimed to have manufactured the robotic dog and that it was showcased to inspire students to build better solutions in the field of artificial intelligence.
No Clarity on Official Eviction Order
When asked whether the government had formally asked the university to vacate the expo area, Professor Singh said she was not aware of any such directive. However, the incident has triggered a wider discussion on transparency and accuracy in showcasing innovation at major technology events. There’s no direct public statement yet from the India AI Impact Summit organisers specifically addressing the robodog controversy
