In a major embarrassment at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Galgotias University was found presenting a Chinese-made robotic dog, branded as “Orion,” as its own innovation on the opening day of the event.
At a time when the country is strongly promoting indigenous development under the “Make in India” initiative, the incident has drawn sharp criticism.
The university, which promotes itself as one of India’s leading private institutions, has faced serious questions over the episode, which many have described as damaging to its credibility and reputation.
The irony of the episode has not gone unnoticed, especially at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are strongly advocating self-reliance in areas such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
The incident has raised uncomfortable questions, instead of showcasing original innovation, the university projected an image of excellence that appeared to rest on technology developed elsewhere.
In a now-viral clip aired on state-run DD News, Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University is seen telling a reporter that the “Orion” robodog was developed at the university’s Centre of Excellence, supported by an investment of nearly $39 million in artificial intelligence.
https://x.com/sharma_views/status/2023940027596624206?s=46
However, the university’s claims that Orion was built from scratch as a “Make in India” product were quickly challenged. The claims of Galgotias University that the Orion was built from scratch and a Make in India product were immediately busted as the imported hardware, which matches the Striker V3 ARF model, was presented as indigenous innovation.
Soon after the video surfaced, several Chinese X (formerly Twitter) accounts and prominent commentators sharply criticised what they described as misconduct by the institution. The episode quickly gained international attention, with critics questioning the credibility of the university’s claims on a global platform.
https://x.com/eng_china5/status/2023750941049045335?s=46
Galgotias University Asked to Vacate Stall at AI Summit
The Indian university was reportedly asked to vacate its stall at the country’s premier AI summit after a staff member was seen presenting a commercially available Chinese robotic dog as its own innovation, according to two government sources.
The incident drew widespread criticism and placed India’s artificial intelligence ambitions under an uncomfortable spotlight.
As of Wednesday morning, the university’s stall remained open, with officials answering questions from media regarding allegations of plagiarism and misrepresentation.
A representative at the booth stated that the university had not received any official communication about being asked to leave the event.
Social Media Users Criticise University Over AI Summit Row
Leading journalist Sanket Upadhyay strongly criticised what he described as the irresponsible conduct of Galgotias University.
https://x.com/sanket/status/2023937565527863770?s=46
In posts shared on X and YouTube, Sanket said the episode had undermined India’s hard-earned progress and credibility in artificial intelligence at a global summit.
The controversy unfolded on the opening day of the event, which was attended by thousands of participants, including political representatives, startup founders, international delegates and executives from major global information technology firms.
Political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla also weighed in on X, stating that the university had caused national embarrassment. He further remarked that he personally remembered playing with the same Chinese-made robodog that was presented at the summit.
https://x.com/tehseenp/status/2023966069455552639?s=46
The backlash extended across social media platforms, where several users called for strict action against the institution. Many demanded immediate suspension of its accreditation, accusing it of bringing global embarrassment to India.
A user on social media wrote, “India’s best private university? More like China’s best export hub disguised as a university.” Another commented, “Galgotias spent Rs 500 crore on imports while preaching Atmanirbhar Bharat. Hypocrisy level: Expert.”
Galgotias University Issues Clarification
Galgotias University immediately issued a clarification after facing intense online criticism over allegations that it showcased a Chinese-made robotic dog as its own innovation at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi.
The Greater Noida-based institution said it never claimed to have developed the device and clarified that the robotic dog displayed at the summit was purchased from Unitree, a Chinese robotics company.
According to the university, the machine is being used as a learning tool to provide students with hands-on exposure to advanced technologies.
Amid the backlash, government sources said the university was asked to vacate its exhibition space at the AI Summit. However, Galgotias University maintained that it did not receive any such directive from the government.
In a statement posted on X, the university said, “The recently acquired robodog from Unitree is one such step in that journey. It is not merely a machine on display; it is a classroom in motion. Our students are experimenting with it, testing its limits and, in the process, expanding their own knowledge. Let us be clear: Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we ever claimed to.”
https://x.com/galgotiasgu/status/2023764251689844898?s=46
The institution faced further embarrassment when its clarification was challenged by a community note on X, which described the university’s claim as incorrect and misleading.
“They have named the robot ‘Orion’ and explicitly claimed it was developed by their team,” the note stated.
Responding to the criticism, the university said its mission is to keep students ahead of the technological curve by bringing cutting-edge innovations from global hubs, including the US, China and Singapore, to its campus. It stressed that innovation and learning should not be restricted by geographical boundaries.
“Innovation knows no borders. Learning should not either,” the university said, adding that its objective is to enable students to study advanced technologies, question them and improve upon them.
Galgotias further emphasised that its initiative is not about importing technology for display, but about inspiring transformation and empowering young innovators to build world-class solutions from India for the world.
The India AI Impact summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which runs until Saturday, has been billed as the first major AI gathering hosted in the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Google’s Sundar Pichai, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei will address the gathering on Thursday.
The event has also faced broader organisational difficulties since opening, with delegates reporting overcrowding and logistical issues.
About University
Galgotias University was established by Suneel Galgotia, who serves as the founder and Chancellor, along with his son Dhruv Galgotia, the university’s CEO. Located in Sector 17-A on the Yamuna Expressway, opposite the Buddha International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the institution has frequently faced criticism from students and parents over steep fee increases and reportedly inadequate facilities.
