The India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi was meant to be a showcase of Bharat’s rising technological prowess. However, the event took an unexpected turn when Galgotias University became the center of a heated national debate. What started as a demonstration of a robotic dog ended in allegations of misrepresentation, a social media firestorm, and a stern response from government authorities.
Table of Contents
- The Spark: A Chinese Robot or Indian Innovation?
- The Government’s Stance and the Fallout
- The University’s Defense: “A Classroom in Motion”
- Political and Global Repercussions
- Key Facts: The Unitree Go2 vs. The Claims>
The Spark: A Chinese Robot or Indian Innovation?
On the second day of the summit, Galgotias University showcased a quadruped robot—a “robodog”—named Orion. During a broadcast with public broadcaster DD News, a university representative described the robot as having been developed by the university’s own Centre of Excellence.
The claim quickly unraveled on social media. Tech enthusiasts and experts identified “Orion” not as a bespoke Indian invention, but as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available robot manufactured by the Chinese firm Unitree Robotics. The robot, which retails globally for approximately $2,800 (roughly ₹2.3 lakh), is a well-known platform used in research and education.
When the budget is ₹350 Cr but the idea is from chatgpt. 😛https://t.co/q74KzuTtvU
— Ananya Shaswat (@ananyashaswat) February 18, 2026
The Government’s Stance and the Fallout
The controversy caused significant embarrassment for the summit organizers. IT Secretary S. Krishnan addressed the media, emphasizing that the event was designed to highlight authentic, indigenous work.
“Our intention is not to promote misinformation or plagiarism,” Krishnan stated. “We don’t want unnecessary controversy to overshadow the good work other exhibitors are doing.”
Reports surfaced on February 18, 2026, suggesting that the university had been asked to vacate its stall at the expo to maintain the integrity of the summit. While the university initially denied receiving a formal notice to leave, the IT Ministry made it clear that a “code of conduct” regarding authentic behavior must be followed at such high-profile international gatherings.
The University’s Defense: “A Classroom in Motion”
Following the backlash, Galgotias University issued multiple clarifications. Professor Neha Singh, who was featured in the viral video, attributed the confusion to “excessive enthusiasm” and a lack of clear communication. She clarified that the intent was to show how the university uses cutting-edge tech to inspire students, not to claim they manufactured the hardware.
In an official statement, the university noted:
- No Claim of Manufacturing: The institution stated it never intended to claim it built the robodog.
- Educational Purpose: The Unitree Go2 was described as a “classroom in motion,” used for student experimentation and testing.
- Staff Error: A later statement apologized for the confusion, blaming an “ill-informed” representative who was not authorized to speak to the press.
— Galgotias University (@GalgotiasGU) February 18, 2026
Political and Global Repercussions
The incident transcended the tech world and entered the political arena. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized the government, suggesting that such lapses make India a “laughing stock” on the global stage.
The timing was particularly sensitive as the summit hosted global tech titans like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Sam Altman (OpenAI). Despite the friction, the summit remained a massive financial success, with over $100 billion in AI-related investment pledges from groups like Adani, Microsoft, and Yotta.
Key Facts: The Unitree Go2 vs. The Claims
| Feature | Unitree Go2 (The Robot Shown) | The Initial Claim |
| Manufacturer | Unitree Robotics (China) | Galgotias Centre of Excellence |
| Price | ~$2,800 (₹2.3 Lakh) | Implied part of ₹350cr investment |
| Availability | Commercially available online | Presented as in-house innovation |
| Usage | Research, Surveillance, Education | Campus patrolling & surveillance |
Moving Forward
The Galgotias controversy serves as a cautionary tale for educational institutions and tech exhibitors. As India pushes toward becoming a global AI hub, the distinction between adopting global technology and innovating indigenous solutions remains crucial. While using foreign tech for “inspiring students” is a valid educational strategy, transparency in how that tech is presented to the public is vital for maintaining institutional and national credibility.
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