An Indian university sparked controversy at the India AI Impact Summit after a Chinese‑made robotic dog was presented as its own innovation, drawing criticism, official rebuke, and broader debate about authenticity in technology showcases.
Galgotias ‘Orion’ Scandal: Chinese Robot Passed Off as Indian AI at Summit:
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Galgotias University found itself at the centre of an embarrassing controversy when a robotic dog displayed at its exhibition stall was touted as a homegrown innovation. The robot, labelled “Orion,” was showcased by a faculty member as technology developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence-a claim that quickly unravelled when industry observers recognised it as a commercially available Chinese‑made model, the Unitree Go2 from China’s Unitree Robotics.
Social media users and attendees identified the robot as an imported product sold globally for research and education use. Videos and reports spread rapidly online, prompting sharp criticism and amusement as well as questions about the credibility of the university’s AI claims.
The episode drew official attention: sources say the university was asked to vacate its stall at the summit, and government officials emphasised that exhibitors should only display their own original innovations at a flagship event meant to highlight domestic AI achievements.
In response, Galgotias University issued apologies and clarifications, stating that it never formally claimed to have developed the robot and attributing the miscommunication to an “ill‑informed” representative. The institution said the robodog had been acquired as a student learning tool rather than as a proprietary innovation.
Opposition figures and critics seized on the incident to argue that it damaged India’s reputation in AI research and innovation, particularly at a summit featuring global tech leaders and major investment pledges aimed at positioning the country as a hub for artificial intelligence.
Galgotias AI Row: Credibility Crisis Overshadows Innovation Push:
The India AI Impact Summit is a high‑profile event intended to showcase advancements in artificial intelligence and attract investment, collaboration, and research partnerships. Delegates this year included world tech executives and global leaders, with substantial financial commitments announced for AI development in India.
The incident involving Galgotias University underscores growing scrutiny around transparency and originality in technology exhibitions, as well as broader debates in India about nurturing domestic innovation versus relying on imported technologies. It also reflects the challenges faced by some academic institutions in navigating the hype around AI capability and branding at international‑scale forums.