Galgotias Univeersity apologises for robodog row

Galgotias on Wednesday apologised for "confusion" after a controversy arose over the display of a made-in-China robotic dog as its own innovation during the India AI Impact Summit and said one of its representatives manning the pavilion was "ill-informed". "She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and, in her enthusiasm for being on camera, gave factually incorrect information even though she was not authorised to speak to the press. There was no institutional intent to misrepresent the innovation," the spokesperson added.

Earlier, the Noida based private Galgotias University was asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo on Wednesday following a controversy over the display of a robotic dog that triggered questions about the origin and ownership of the technology showcased.The row erupted after the university exhibited a robotic dog branded as “Orion” at the summit. Soon after, social media users alleged that the robot was in fact a Chinese-made Unitree Go2 and not an in-house innovation developed by the institution. The issue sparked widespread online criticism, with several users accusing the university of misrepresenting imported technology as its own creation. The controversy gained traction during the ongoing AI Summit Expo, drawing attention from visitors and participants at the venue.Amid the backlash, authorities directed the university to vacate its exhibition space at the expo. Later, power was also cut off at the Galgotias University pavilion at the AI Summit after after the government directive came.

VIDEO | Delhi: Power has reportedly been cut off at the Galgotias University pavilion at the AI Summit after it was asked to vacate the expo following a row over the display of a robotic dog.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/j5rOrSWfF0

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 18, 2026

Responding to the controversy, Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University said the misunderstanding arose due to a lack of clarity in communication.“The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly and the intent may not have been properly understood,” she said.“Regarding the robot dog — we cannot claim that we manufactured it. I have told everyone that we introduced it to our students to inspire them to create something better on their own. Our university contributes to building future leaders by providing cutting-edge technologies in the field of AI, and it will continue to do so,” she added.On being asked about the direction to vacate the stall, she said she did not have specific information about such an order and maintained that the university representatives were present at the venue. In another statement, the Galgotias called the online criticism a part of a "propaganda campaign".

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— Galgotias University (@GalgotiasGU) February 17, 2026

The incident has reignited debate around transparency in technology showcases at innovation expos, particularly in cases involving imported hardware being displayed in academic or startup settings.