Galgotias University, one of India’s prominent private universities known for its technological and research initiatives, found itself at the center of a major controversy at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi — an event widely seen as a platform to showcase India’s growing strength in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The journey of the controversy began when a robotic quadruped — widely referred to as a “robodog” — was showcased at the university’s exhibition stall during the summit, which is scheduled to run until February 20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The machine, dubbed “Orion” during presentations, quickly became the focus of widespread debate after social media users and technology analysts identified it as a commercially available robot manufactured by Chinese company Unitree Robotics, rather than an in-house innovation or product designed at the university.
What was initially intended to demonstrate cutting-edge robotics and the university’s investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) education instead sparked public uproar over academic integrity, representation of indigenous innovation, and broader questions about transparency and accountability at academic institutions.
The Robotic Dog Row: What Happened?
On the second day of the India AI Impact Summit, a viral video from the event spread rapidly across social media platforms. In that clip, a representative affiliated with Galgotias University described the robotic dog as developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence, highlighting its supposed capabilities like surveillance, autonomous navigation, and advanced monitoring — statements that drew immediate attention.
However, keen observers quickly noticed that the robotic animal closely resembled the Unitree Go2 model, a well-known Chinese commercial robot dog available globally for purchase — not a proprietary product. The discovery sparked intense backlash online, with critics accusing the university of misrepresenting an imported technology as a creation of its own research division.
In light of the public uproar, summit organizers and authorities reportedly instructed Galgotias University to vacate its stall at the expo area as early as the morning of February 18 — though university representatives later tried to clarify the situation.
📌 University Clarifies Position
In response to the controversy, Galgotias University issued a statement acknowledging that the robot showcased was not developed on campus and that they had never claimed to have built it themselves. According to the university’s clarification, the unit was purchased from Unitree and was being used primarily as an educational tool to expose students to advanced robotics technology and encourage hands-on learning.
The university emphasized that its focus remains firmly on creating future innovators, with faculty and students gaining real-world exposure to technologies that they may one day modify, improve, or inspire similar homegrown solutions. They pointed out that miscommunication during the live presentations may have contributed to the misinterpretation that the robot was entirely developed in-house, and expressed regret for the confusion.
Additionally, it stated that the university’s efforts in AI education — including investments, infrastructure, labs, and demonstrations — are all aimed at empowering students with practical skills and real-world technology experience.
Broader Reaction
The incident has triggered a broad debate among educators, students, policymakers, and technology observers. Some argue that mistakes and miscommunication at technology exhibits are not uncommon and that the focus should be on clarifying motives and intentions. Others have raised concerns about how universities represent work and resources when competing on national and global educational stages.
The controversy has also underscored growing sensitivities around the source of technology showcased at high-profile events in India, especially when the context involves innovation, sovereignty, and global competitiveness. With India positioning itself as a key hub for AI development and tech leadership through initiatives like the India AI Impact Summit, authenticity and transparency have become central to discussions around academic contributions and innovation claims.
Beyond the Summit: Galgotias University’s Ongoing Initiatives
While the robodog episode has grabbed headlines recently, Galgotias University has a broader portfolio of academic and research engagement that has been continuing in parallel.
For example:
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- Innovation and Research Events: In late 2025, the university hosted the IEEE International Conference on Computing, Communication and Automation (ICCCA), highlighting its commitment to advanced research collaboration and industry engagement.
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- Model United Nations: The Galgotias University Model United Nations (TGUMUN) brought together hundreds of delegates from different institutions, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering student diplomacy and global awareness.
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- AI and Startup Ecosystem: Earlier in 2026, the institution inaugurated the IIT Mandi Catalyst Satellite Centre, aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial initiatives and nurturing startups on campus.
These activities reflect Galgotias’ broader vision beyond classroom education — one that encourages academic dialogue, innovation, and real-world problem solving.
What This Means for Students and Stakeholders
Despite the controversy, many students and educators see the situation as an opportunity for crucial learning: how to communicate research intentions clearly, distinguish between demonstration tools and proprietary innovation, and uphold values of academic transparency.
It also highlights the importance for educational institutions to establish clear guidelines when participating in global platforms, ensuring that representations of work, resources, and technological achievements are accurate and verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Galgotias University in the news recently?
Galgotias University was in the news due to a controversy at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 where it displayed a Chinese-made robotic dog that some viewers believed was claimed as a university-developed innovation. The situation prompted public criticism and questions about technology sourcing.
2. What was the robotic dog issue about?
A robotic dog displayed at the summit was identified as a Chinese commercial model (Unitree Go2). A video of a presenter seemingly claiming it as developed by the university raised backlash, leading to organizers reportedly asking the university to vacate its stall.
3. Did Galgotias University actually develop the robot?
No. The university clarified that the robot was purchased from a Chinese firm for educational use and that it did not claim to have developed the technology itself.
4. What is the India AI Impact Summit?
The India AI Impact Summit is a high-profile event aimed at bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to discuss AI’s role in addressing societal challenges and shaping global norms.
5. What major initiatives has Galgotias University undertaken recently?
Recent initiatives include hosting major tech conferences, inaugurating innovation hubs like the IIT Mandi Catalyst Satellite Centre, and conducting Model United Nations events to foster leadership and global engagement
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