A private Indian university, Galgotias University, was asked to leave the India AI Expo after showcasing a Chinese-made robotic dog and presenting it as its own innovation. The incident occurred during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, a major gathering of global AI leaders. The university's participation ended prematurely due to significant public criticism and official intervention.
Controversy Erupts at AI Expo
The India AI Expo, held alongside the AI Impact Summit, featured numerous exhibitors showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence. Among them was Galgotias University, which presented a robotic dog. This exhibit drew immediate scrutiny when it was widely alleged that the robot was not an original creation of the university but rather a commercially available model, the Unitree Go2, manufactured in China.
Online critics and social media users quickly pointed out the robot's origins.
A faculty member from the university, Professor Aishwarya Shrivastava (also referred to as Neha Singh in some reports), presented the robot, identified as 'Orion', at the university's Centre of Excellence booth.
The university initially faced backlash for misrepresenting imported technology as its own.
Official Response and University Actions
Following the widespread criticism, government officials intervened.
Authorities directed Galgotias University to vacate their exhibition stall at the India AI Expo.
University staff and officials were observed removing their booth from the venue.
While some reports indicated the university initially denied receiving official communication to leave, subsequent observations confirmed they complied with the directive.
"Galgotias University has been asked to vacate the India AI Expo after facing fierce backlash for presenting a Chinese-made Unitree Go2 robot as a product of the university's Centre of Excellence." - The Indian Express
University's Explanation and Apology
In the wake of the controversy, Galgotias University issued statements attempting to clarify the situation.
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The university stated that it had neither built nor claimed to have built the robotic dog.
They explained their objective was to provide students with access to modern technologies for practical experience and learning, with the ultimate goal of fostering future innovators.
A professor involved in the presentation, Neha Singh, took responsibility for the "faux pas," stating she "failed to convey the things properly in excitement."
The university expressed that the situation was "misinterpreted in a big way" and later issued an apology for the "confusion."
"But what we are building are minds that will soon design, engineer, and manufacture such technologies right here in Bharat." - Galgotias University Statement (via The Economic Times)
Broader Implications
The incident has been viewed as an embarrassment for India, the host nation of the AI Impact Summit, which attracted significant international attention.
The summit itself was noted for its scale, bringing together Heads of State, ministers, and global AI leaders.
Some reports indicated organizational challenges at the summit, including long queues and delays.
The controversy raised questions about the vetting of exhibits and the promotion of authentic innovation versus the display of readily available technology.
"There needs to be adherence to some code so that inauthentic behaviour is not promoted." - Unattributed remark cited in The Hindu.
Evidence Review
| Source | Key Information | Corroboration |
|---|---|---|
| The Indian Express | Galgotias University ordered to vacate expo for presenting Chinese robot as its own. | Confirmed by multiple sources regarding university removal and robot's origin. |
| The Economic Times | University asked to vacate stall due to controversy over Chinese robotic dog. | Consistent with other reports on eviction and the specific cause. |
| Livemint | University staff seen vacating stall following controversy over Chinese robodog. | Supports the outcome of the university's removal from the venue. |
| Associated Press | Indian university booted from summit after displaying Chinese-made robotic dog as its own innovation. | Directly aligns with the core event and reason for removal. |
| The Hindu | University ousted from expo for exhibiting China-made robodog as in-house innovation; university apologizes for "confusion." | Provides the university's statement and the organizer's action. |
| Business Standard | University asked to vacate stall immediately amid controversy over robotic dog. | Reinforces the directive given to the university. |
| India TV News | University ordered to vacate venue amid row over China-bought robot dog; professor takes responsibility. | Confirms the order and includes a statement from the presenter. |
| Firstpost | Galgotias University vacates stall after Chinese robodog fiasco. | Short summary confirms the outcome. |
Conclusion
The events at the India AI Expo highlight a significant lapse in presentation and communication by Galgotias University. The decision to showcase a Chinese-made robotic dog, even for educational purposes, and present it in a manner that suggested indigenous innovation, led to widespread backlash. Official intervention resulted in the university's removal from the expo. While the university has since clarified its intentions and apologized for the misunderstanding, the incident serves as a notable case study in the presentation of technology at international forums.
Sources Used:
The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chinese-robot-galgotias-university-ai-expo-controversy-10538237/ - Reports on the government order for the university to vacate the expo due to the robot controversy.
The Economic Times: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ai/ai-insights/galgotias-university-robot-dog-controversy-india-ai-impact-summit-institute-asked-to-vacate/articleshow/128493849.cms - Details the university being asked to leave the expo following accusations of misrepresenting imported technology.
Livemint: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/galgotias-university-asked-to-vacate-delhi-ai-summit-expo-area-after-chinese-robot-dog-controversy-11771393335457.html - Covers university officials seen vacating their stall after the controversy.
Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/india-ai-chinese-galgotias-university-robotic-dog-850acd70109cae9ae34c2b78923b2cbb - Reports on the university being removed from the summit for displaying a Chinese-made robot dog as its own.
The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/galgotias-university-asked-to-vacate-ai-summit-expo-immediately-sources/article70646250.ece - Details the university being ousted for presenting a China-made robodog as an innovation and issuing an apology.
Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/galgotias-university-asked-to-vacate-ai-summit-expo-amid-controversy-1260218003271.html - Reports on the university being asked to leave the expo immediately due to the robot dog controversy.
India TV News: https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/galgotias-university-ordered-to-vacate-india-ai-summit-venue-amid-row-over-china-bought-robot-dog-2026-02-18-1030737 - Confirms the order to vacate and includes the professor's statement taking responsibility.
