Indian University Faces Backlash After Showcasing Chinese Robot as Its Own at AI Summit

An Indian private university has come under intense public scrutiny after a presentation at a major artificial intelligence summit triggered allegations that it falsely showcased a Chinese-made robot as its own innovation, igniting a storm across social media, tech circles, and academic communities. The controversy centers on Greater Noida–based Galgotias University, which displayed a robotic dog named “Orion” during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi; however, viewers quickly identified the machine as the commercially available Unitree Go2, an AI-powered quadruped robot produced by a Chinese robotics firm and sold globally for roughly ₹2–3 lakh depending on configuration. 

The backlash began after a video from the summit went viral showing a university professor presenting the robot in a way many interpreted as implying it had been developed by the institution’s own Centre of Excellence, prompting accusations that imported technology was being passed off as an indigenous creation. Critics online questioned the authenticity of the claim and highlighted similarities between the showcased device and the well-known Unitree model, sparking a broader debate about transparency, attribution, and academic credibility in technology exhibitions. 

As criticism intensified, summit authorities reportedly asked the university to vacate its stall, underscoring how seriously organizers viewed the allegations and the reputational risks associated with misrepresenting technological origin at an international event attended by industry leaders and officials. The institution later issued a clarification saying it never intended to claim ownership of the robot and explained that the device had been purchased as a teaching tool so students could experiment with advanced robotics systems. It subsequently apologized for the confusion and attributed the incident to an “ill-informed” representative who was not authorized to speak to the media. 

Despite the explanation, the episode has continued to fuel discussion across India’s tech and education sectors about how universities present collaborative or third-party technology, with experts noting that the incident highlights the growing scrutiny institutions face in an era where viral videos and online fact-checking can rapidly challenge public claims.