Galgotias University's AI Summit Stall Shut Down Amid Robotic Dog Controversy
Power was abruptly cut off at the Galgotias University pavilion during the AI Summit Expo after organizers directed the institution to vacate its exhibition stall. This dramatic action followed mounting controversy surrounding a robotic dog displayed at the university's booth under the name "Orion." The incident has sparked intense debate about transparency and innovation representation at national technology events.
Allegations of Misrepresented Innovation
The controversy erupted when observers and social media critics identified the quadruped robot as a commercially available Unitree Go2 model manufactured by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics. The Go2 model retails in India for approximately ₹2–3 lakh, raising questions about why the university presented it as their own innovation. The situation intensified as scrutiny grew over the true origin and ownership of the technology being showcased at what was meant to be a platform for domestic AI advancements.
University's Initial Claims and Subsequent Clarification
Earlier during the summit, Professor Neha Singh, representing Galgotias University, had described "Orion" to DD News as having been developed by the institution's Centre of Excellence. These remarks triggered immediate backlash and skepticism about whether imported hardware was being presented as an in-house university creation at a prestigious national AI event.
In response to the growing criticism, Galgotias University issued a formal clarification stating emphatically that they had never claimed to have manufactured the robotic dog. The institution explained that the exhibit was part of an academic initiative designed to expose students to AI programming and hands-on learning using globally available technologies.
"We have not built this robodog, nor have we claimed to," the university stated. "Our focus is on enabling students to study and work with cutting-edge platforms so they can design and develop future innovations."Communication Breakdown and Educational Intent
Professor Singh later attributed the controversy to "unclear communication," explaining that the robot was introduced primarily to inspire students rather than to be presented as an indigenously manufactured system. She emphasized that the university's goal was educational exposure to advanced robotics platforms, not claiming proprietary development of existing commercial products.
Political Reaction and Broader Implications
Opposition leaders quickly criticized the incident, arguing that showcasing an imported device at a flagship AI forum risked undermining the summit's emphasis on domestic innovation and self-reliance in technology. The controversy has raised important questions about:
- How educational institutions should present commercially available technology at innovation events
- The need for clear communication about the origin of displayed technologies
- The balance between educational exposure and claims of indigenous development
- Protocols for verifying innovation claims at national technology summits
The forced shutdown of Galgotias University's stall represents one of the most public controversies at this year's AI Summit Expo, highlighting ongoing tensions between educational aspirations, commercial realities, and national innovation narratives in India's rapidly evolving technology landscape.
