Galgotias University was asked to vacate its exhibition space at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after a robot dog showcased at its stand initially presented as an in-house innovation was identified as a commercially available Chinese Unitree Go2, igniting widespread criticism over misrepresentation and transparency.

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held this week at Bharat Mandapam, Galgotias University attracted significant attention with a four-legged robotic dog on display, labelled “Orion” and described by a representative as developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence.

The robot, however, was quickly recognised online and by technology observers as a Unitree Go2—a quadruped robotic dog manufactured by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics that is sold commercially and widely available online.

Social media users and tech watchers shared viral videos and clips from the summit showing university faculty and students demonstrating the machine’s features, including mobility and surveillance capabilities, and suggesting it was an indigenous innovation.

Within hours, critics accused the institution of misrepresenting a foreign-made product as its own innovation at a high-profile national event focused on India’s emerging prowess in artificial intelligence technology.

Amid the growing uproar online, summit organisers reportedly asked the university to vacate its stall and remove the exhibit from the expo area.

Although there has been no official statement from summit organisers confirming the expulsion, multiple government and media sources reported that Galgotias University was directed to pull out immediately after the controversy mounted.

University’s Clarifications and Fact-Checks

In response to the backlash, Galgotias University took to social media platform X with a clarification. The university insisted that it never claimed to have designed or manufactured the robotic dog, and that the device was brought to campus as a teaching and demonstration tool to enhance students’ hands-on experience with cutting-edge robotics and AI applications.

A professor quoted in that statement said such technologies are part of the institution’s broader commitment to preparing students for future challenges. “We are not a manufacturing unit. We are only here so that our university students can conduct research and development.”

The university also noted that it has invested over ₹350 crore into artificial intelligence infrastructure and aims to inspire students by giving them access to innovative technologies from around the world. “Innovation knows no borders. Learning should not either,” the statement said.

A community fact-check on X, however, claimed that the university’s clarification was misleading, noting that in the original summit videos, representatives had explicitly suggested the robot’s development was linked to the university’s research centre.

This discrepancy further fuelled debate over whether Galgotias’ initial portrayal of the exhibit was accurate or had been inadvertently exaggerated.

Political and Public Reactions

The controversy quickly went beyond academic circles, with political figures weighing in on the issue.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised not only the university but the summit itself on X, calling the event a “disorganised PR spectacle” that was showcasing Chinese technology at the expense of Indian innovation and talent.

“Instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, the AI summit is turning into a publicity exercise featuring Chinese products,” Mr Gandhi wrote, adding that the government risked damaging India’s credibility on the global AI stage.

Online commentators and student groups also chimed in, with some saying the episode highlighted deeper issues in Indian academic institutions that prioritise appearances over rigorous research and authentic innovation. Others defended the university’s intent, arguing that exposure to existing technologies can be useful for students.

Broader Implications: Credibility, Standards and AI Showcases

The incident has sparked a larger debate about transparency and credibility at technology showcases, especially those backed by government and national stakeholders.

High-profile events like the India AI Impact Summit are intended to put a spotlight on Indian talent, research, and home-grown innovation, drawing investors, thinkers and policymakers from across the world. Critics now argue that without clear standards for exhibit documentation and vetting, such platforms risk being undermined by misunderstandings or misperceptions about what counts as original work.

Others have pointed out that merely displaying imported technology isn’t inherently wrong if it is clearly labelled and contextualised as a demonstration tool rather than presented as an institution’s own engineering achievement.

Experts suggest that summit organisers may need to adopt more robust guidelines for exhibitors including verification of claims about innovation and development to ensure the credibility of future events.

This debate also touches on India’s broader ambitions in AI, robotics and emerging technologies. With significant government investment and policy focus on growing these sectors, the standards and expectations for academic and research institutions are under closer public scrutiny than ever before.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

While Galgotias University maintains that its intention was educational, this controversy underscores an important lesson in transparency, accountability and trust.

Academic institutions must be clear and forthright in how they represent technology particularly on national and international stages because public faith in Indian science and innovation depends on authenticity, not perception.

Miscommunication, whether intentional or accidental, can quickly erode that trust and harm not only an institution’s reputation but also broader efforts to showcase India’s capabilities in AI and robotics. As the country works to build itself as a global innovation hub, it is vital that educational platforms reinforce honesty and clarity alongside ambition.

Rather than focusing solely on showcasing technology, India’s innovation ecosystem should emphasise building it – with open disclosure, rigorous standards and responsible communication at every step.