Galgotias University, a private institution in India, was asked to vacate its exhibition space at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after university representatives presented a Chinese-made robotic dog as an in-house innovation.
During a public demonstration, a faculty member introduced the robotic dog, named “Orion,” describing it as a product of the university’s “Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence.” Attendees and online viewers soon identified the robot as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available robotic dog produced by Unitree Robotics. The revelation prompted criticism on social media, with users arguing that academic institutions should clearly distinguish between original research and off-the-shelf technology.
Summit organisers subsequently asked the university to leave its exhibition stall, citing concerns over credibility and transparency. “The aim of the summit is to showcase genuine research and innovation,” one organiser said. “Misrepresentation of technology, whether intentional or not, cannot be overlooked at an event of this scale.” Some reports indicated that power to the university’s pavilion was cut off during the dispute.
Galgotias University later issued a statement seeking to clarify its position. “We did not claim to have built the robot ourselves,” the statement said. “The device was acquired to provide students with hands-on experience in robotics and artificial intelligence. Our intention was to use it as a learning tool, not as a demonstration of proprietary innovation.” The university added that it regretted any confusion caused and would adopt clearer communication standards in future exhibitions.
The summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, is among the largest gatherings of artificial intelligence experts, investors, and policymakers in South Asia. It has drawn participation from international technology firms and senior government officials, with organisers positioning the event as a platform to strengthen India’s role in global AI development. Investment pledges announced at the summit have exceeded US $100 billion, underscoring strong domestic and international interest in the sector.
Experts said the episode highlights a broader issue around transparency in the presentation of emerging technologies. “Educational institutions and private companies alike must clearly differentiate between research outputs and commercial products,” said Dr Ramesh Kumar, an AI researcher based in New Delhi. “When those lines blur, it risks undermining credibility and eroding trust in innovation ecosystems.”
Public reaction to the incident has been mixed. Some commentators criticised the university for misrepresentation, while others noted that the robot appeared to have been intended primarily as a teaching aid. Politicians and industry leaders attending the summit reportedly raised concerns about the reputational impact of such incidents, and organisers have indicated that stricter verification procedures will be introduced for future events.
Despite the controversy, the summit has continued as scheduled, with participation from global executives and senior officials. The removal of Galgotias University has drawn renewed attention to the importance of clear communication, ethical standards, and transparency when demonstrating technology, particularly at high-profile international forums. “Events like this shape how a country’s capabilities in AI are perceived,” one organiser said. “It is essential that all participants present their work honestly and responsibly.”
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