Indian University Sparks Controversy After Passing Off Chinese Robotic Dog as Own at AI Summit
By Web Desk :
An Indian university found itself at the centre of controversy during the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after a senior academic appeared to present a Chinese-made robotic dog as an in-house innovation.
The issue surfaced when a professor from Galgotias University told state broadcaster DD News that a robot named “Orion” had been developed at the university’s Centre of Excellence. The video clip quickly went viral.
However, social media users later identified the robot as the Go2 model produced by Unitree Robotics, which is commercially available in the global market.
Following the backlash, the university issued a statement denying that it had claimed to invent the robot and described the criticism as a “propaganda campaign”. It said the robotic dog was being used as part of student training in artificial intelligence and programming, using “globally available tools and resources”.
The professor, Neha Singh, later said her comments had been misinterpreted and that she failed to communicate her point clearly.
Despite the explanation, online users accused the university of misleading claims. Media reports suggested that the university was asked to vacate its stall at the summit. While staff said no official order was received, the Press Trust of India later reported that electricity to the stall had been cut off. A BBC reporter at the venue confirmed the booth lights were switched off and no university staff were present.
The episode proved embarrassing for summit organisers, as the original video had also been shared by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on his official X account, though the post was later deleted.
India’s IT Secretary S Krishnan urged that the incident should not overshadow the efforts of other participants, stressing the need for a clear code of conduct at international events.
The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam and is being promoted as a flagship initiative to position India as a global AI hub. Delegates from over 100 countries are attending, alongside industry leaders such as Sundar Pichai.
While the opening day was marred by complaints of overcrowding and long queues, organisers say arrangements have since improved, with thousands of visitors now exploring exhibitions and discussions on AI policy, innovation, and governance.
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