New Delhi : The prestigious India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam recently turned into a center of heated debate. Galgotias University, a prominent private institution from Greater Noida, found itself at the heart of a digital firestorm. The controversy erupted when a video went viral showing a faculty member presenting a robotic dog or Robodog named “Orion.” Social media users quickly identified the machine as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available product from a Chinese robotics firm. Critics alleged the university was passing off imported technology as an indigenous breakthrough. This sparked a wave of accusations regarding academic integrity and the branding of global products as homegrown innovations.
This has been developed by the Centre of excellence at Galgotiyas University.
“Also we are the first private university that has invested around 350 crores in Artificial Intelligence”. 🧘 https://t.co/NJfDzL7lG2 pic.twitter.com/TMqfSB6K0v
— Harsh Kumar (@itsmeharsh_09) February 17, 2026
Galgotias University Denies Claims of In-House Development
Following the viral backlash, Galgotias University issued a formal statement on social media. They clarified that they never claimed to have manufactured the robotic dog. The institution explained that the Unitree Go2 was procured as a learning tool. According to the university, the robot serves as a “classroom in motion” for its students.
The university emphasized that its mission is to provide students with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge global technology. They argued that innovation should not be restricted by national borders. Furthermore, they stated that using international tools is essential for training future Indian engineers. Despite this, the online community pointed to the specific video where the robot was introduced as a product developed by their Centre of Excellence.
— Galgotias University (@GalgotiasGU) February 17, 2026
Government Orders University to Vacate Expo Stall
The situation escalated on Wednesday when reports emerged that the university was asked to vacate its stall. Sources close to the India AI Impact Summit organizers indicated that the institution was directed to leave the expo area immediately. This move followed the international ridicule the incident invited, especially from Chinese social media handles.
However, the university’s registrar and faculty members gave conflicting accounts. Some officials claimed they had not received any formal notice from the government. Professor Neha Singh, who appeared in the controversial video, took accountability for the “miscommunication.” She stated that her enthusiastic presentation might have been misinterpreted. She maintained that the university stands tall in its commitment to AI research and student growth.
The Broader Impact on India’s AI Ambitions
This incident has raised significant questions about the vetting process for exhibitors at high-profile summits. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was designed to showcase Bharat’s “sovereign AI” capabilities. The presence of a rebranded Chinese robot under the name “Orion” has been seen by many as a setback for the “Make in India” narrative in the tech sector.
Experts suggest that while sourcing global tech for education is standard, transparency in attribution is vital. The university has reportedly invested over Rs 350 crore in its AI infrastructure. Moving forward, the focus will likely shift to how educational institutions balance procurement with genuine domestic innovation.
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