New Delhi – Galgotias University in Noida is facing significant criticism after presenting a commercially available Chinese robot dog as an in-house innovation at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, February 18, has sparked a political row and prompted government intervention, highlighting the complexities surrounding India’s ambitions in the field of artificial intelligence.
The robot, initially branded “Orion” by the university, was showcased at the summit and featured in a video shared by Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on his X account. The post was subsequently deleted. Social media users quickly identified the device as the Unitree Go2, a quadruped robot manufactured by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics, which retails for approximately $2,800 (roughly ₹2 to 3 lakh).
The controversy began when Neha Singh, a professor of communications at Galgotias University, told state-run broadcaster DD News that “You demand to meet Orion. This has been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University.” This claim quickly drew scrutiny online, leading to the identification of the robot’s true origins. The incident has raised questions about transparency and the representation of indigenous innovation within India’s burgeoning AI sector.
Government Response and University Statement
The government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check Unit swiftly debunked claims circulating on social media that Minister Vaishnaw had described the robot as Indian-made. The PIB stated that the minister “has nowhere stated that the robot present…is an Indian robot.” Business Today reported on the PIB’s clarification.
Following the backlash, Galgotias University was asked to vacate its stall at the summit, according to reports from NDTV, and PTI. The university has since issued a statement claiming a “misunderstanding,” asserting that it never claimed to have built the robodog. “Let us be clear, Galgotias has not built this robodog, neither have we claimed,” the university stated on X. WIONews detailed the university’s response and the initial controversy.
Political Fallout and Further Scrutiny
The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders criticizing both Galgotias University and the government. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra launched a sharp attack on Minister Vaishnaw, sharing a screenshot of his now-deleted post praising the exhibit. “Deleting tweets doesn’t change reality…you have made India a laughing stock,” Moitra wrote on X. The Times of India reported on Moitra’s criticism and the escalating political tensions.
The episode has also drawn attention to the broader issue of reliance on foreign technology in the AI sector. The incident occurred amidst ongoing discussions about India’s desire to develop its own sovereign AI capabilities and reduce dependence on models originating from the United States and China. The Telegraph India highlighted the uncomfortable spotlight cast on India’s AI ambitions.
Galgotias University has reportedly attributed the misrepresentation to an ill-informed communications head who was not authorized to speak on the matter. NDTV reported that the university has apologized for the incident, blaming the professor for the inaccurate claims.
The IT secretary has issued a warning to exhibitors, stating that they “must not display…products as if they are indigenous when they are not.” This directive underscores the government’s commitment to promoting genuine Indian innovation and preventing misrepresentation within the AI ecosystem.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely shift to ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the presentation of technological advancements at future events. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying claims and accurately representing the origins of technology, particularly in a rapidly evolving field like artificial intelligence.
The fallout from this incident is likely to continue, prompting further scrutiny of India’s AI initiatives and the need for robust verification processes. It remains to be seen what further actions, if any, will be taken by the government or the university in response to this controversy. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
