• Source:JND

Galgotias University has reportedly been instructed to vacate the AI Summit exhibition space in Delhi following a controversy surrounding a Chinese-manufactured robotic dog showcased at the event. The move came after intense criticism erupted on social media platforms, despite the university later clarifying that it had never claimed ownership of the device's development.

However, Galgotias University Professor Dr Aishwarya denied the reports, saying, "No, we have not received any directive yet to vacate the expo area. In fact, we are ready to answer for what happened yesterday." The professor clarified that the university never claimed to have manufactured or designed the robodog. The Chinese robot was brought as part of Galgotias University Rs 350-crore investment in AI. Calling the row over Chinese robodog a misinterpretation, she said, "It is a very well-known fact, and we also know that this is something available everywhere on the internet. Why would we claim such a thing," she asked. 

ALSO READ:India AI Impact Summit: India Focused On Practical Applications of AI To Solve Population-Scale challenges: Minister

Allegations of Misrepresentation

The issue gained traction after a video from the ongoing AI Impact Summit accused the Greater Noida-based institution of presenting Chinese technology as its own innovation. The university responded by stating that the robotic dog was sourced from a global robotics firm in China and was displayed purely for educational and demonstration purposes. "It was misinterpreted, a viral tweet was posted and exaggerated—you know how such things happen," said Professor Dr Aishwarya.

However, the clarification was challenged online. A community note on X claimed that the university had explicitly stated at the summit that the robotic dog was developed by its own team.

Orion and the Unitree Go2 Debate

The controversy intensified when reports indicated that the robotic dog, identified as the Unitree Go2, was exhibited under the name “Orion.” Critics alleged that rebranding the imported device created the impression of indigenous innovation.

In an earlier statement, the university maintained, “Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we claimed to do so. Our goal is to nurture talent capable of designing and manufacturing such technologies in Bharat in the future.

Social Media Backlash and Official Action

The episode sparked widespread backlash, with users accusing the institution of misrepresenting the origins of the AI-powered machine. In response, the university reiterated that exposing students to advanced global technologies is part of its academic approach, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities over time.

Government sources have since confirmed that, in light of the controversy, the university has been asked to withdraw from the summit’s exhibition area. The AI Impact Summit, currently underway at Bharat Mandapam, continues amid heightened attention over the incident.

Rahul Gandhi On Robotic Dog Row

ALSO READ:Election Commission Announces Biennial Rajya Sabha Polls For 37 Seats Across 10 States; Check Schedule

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the AI Summit, calling it a “disorganised PR spectacle” and claiming that Chinese products were being highlighted at the event.

Rather than showcasing India’s talent and data, the summit has turned into a chaotic PR exercise, Indian data being offered for sale while Chinese products take the spotlight Gandhi wrote on X.


Also In News