New Delhi: A controversy erupted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after Galgotias University’s exhibition stall was asked to vacate the venue over claims related to a robotic dog displayed at its pavilion. The episode triggered widespread debate on transparency and originality in technology showcases at major public events.
The issue began when a video from the summit floor went viral on social media. In the clip, Professor Neha Singh of the Greater Noida based university introduced a robotic dog named “Orion,” stating that it had been “developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University.” She described the robot as capable of surveillance and monitoring tasks and said it operated across the university campus.
Soon after, several social media users alleged that the robot resembled the Unitree Go2, a commercially available quadruped robot manufactured by China-based Unitree Robotics. The Go2 platform is widely used globally in research and education, with publicly listed specifications and pricing.
As criticism mounted online, Galgotias University issued a clarification on its official channels, stating that it had not claimed to have manufactured the robotic dog. The university emphasised that its focus was on academic and research engagement rather than hardware production.
However, the clarification did not fully quell the backlash. On Wednesday, the university released a fresh statement apologising for the “confusion” caused at the summit. The institution said its representative at the stall had been “ill-informed” and provided “factually incorrect information” while speaking on camera.
The statement added that the professor was not authorised to address the media and acknowledged the organisers’ concerns, confirming that the stall had been vacated.
Amid the controversy, Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan reiterated guidelines for exhibitors at the summit. He stated that participants must not display products that are not their own innovations, underscoring the importance of accuracy and integrity in representations made at nationally significant technology forums.
The incident has drawn attention within academic and startup circles, where exhibitions at high-profile summits are seen as opportunities to demonstrate indigenous innovation. Industry observers note that while universities frequently use commercially sourced platforms for research and demonstration, clear attribution and communication are essential, particularly in public-facing events.
Professor Neha Singh, identified as an assistant professor associated with Galgotias University’s academic outreach in AI and robotics, became a focal point of the discussion following the viral video. Publicly accessible professional information indicates that she joined the university in late 2023 and has participated in academic and technology forums.
The summit organisers did not issue a detailed public comment on the specific action but maintained that exhibitor compliance with participation norms is mandatory. Officials associated with the event indicated that similar advisories had been communicated to all participants to ensure that displayed technologies accurately reflect their origin and development status.
The episode has reignited conversations about ethical showcasing, verification mechanisms at expos, and the distinction between research use, collaboration, and in-house product development.
