🤖 What Happened at the AI Summit?

At the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, a robotic dog — nicknamed “Orion” — displayed at the Galgotias university pavilion sparked widespread criticism. A senior faculty member introduced the robot during a media interaction, implying it had been developed by the university’s own Centre of Excellence. Hours later, online sleuths identified the machine as a Unitree Go2, a commercially available Chinese‑made robodog, not a homegrown invention.

🚨 Why Did It Become a Controversy?

🧾 Claim vs. Reality

Social media users quickly pointed out the mismatch:

• The dog shown by Galgotias closely resembled the Unitree Go2, developed by China‑based Unitree Robotics and sold internationally for around ₹2–3 lakh.
• The viral video of the professor’s remarks — suggesting the robot was an in‑house creation — triggered backlash, with many accusing the university of misrepresentation or exaggeration.

🔄 Clarifications and Apologies

In response, the university issued statements claiming it never formally said it built the robot, and that the device was purchased to help students gain “hands‑on” AI experience. They also apologised, calling the original presentation a result of an “ill‑informed” representative and miscommunication.

🏛️ Was Galgotias Removed From the Summit?

Organisers and some government sources reportedly asked the Greater Noida‑based university to vacate its stall at the summit after the incident attracted media attention and online criticism — especially given the summit’s high‑profile nature and global audience. Some reports show electricity being cut off at the university’s pavilion and faculty leaving.

However, Galgotias officials later said they had not received an official eviction order and insisted their presence in the expo was legitimate, describing the episode as a misunderstanding.

🧠 Broader Reaction

📣 Public & Political Backlash

The row led to a mixture of reactions online and in political circles. Some social media users mocked the mishap as a public relations failure, while opposition figures criticised government organisers for allowing the display and the subsequent confusion.

📢 Government Response

Officials warned against misinformation and misrepresentation at such important technology forums, emphasising the importance of transparency in showcasing research and innovation.

📍 What This Means for AI Events

The uproar highlights key expectations around authenticity, credibility, and proper attribution at technology showcases, especially:

• Differentiating between owned R&D and imported technology
• Ensuring presenters are authorised and accurate in statements
• Preserving the prestige and integrity of international events

🧩 In Summary

Issue

Details

Object in question

A robotic dog (“Orion”) showcased at the india AI Impact Summit

Accusation

Presented as an in‑house innovation by Galgotias University

Reality

Identified as Unitree Go2, made by a Chinese robotics firm

Aftermath

Viral backlash, official apologies, and pressure to vacate summit stall

Key concern

Miscommunication or misrepresentation at a major tech event

 

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