Galgotias University has responded to mounting criticism after accusations surfaced that it showcased a Chinese-made robot dog as its own invention during the recent India AI Impact Summit in Delhi. The viral controversy erupted when a demonstration video showed the robotic canine performing impressive maneuvers, leading many to question the university's claims of indigenous development.

The incident unfolded at Galgotias University's booth, where the robot dog—dubbed "Orion" by faculty member Neha Singh—captivated attendees with demos of surveillance capabilities and agile navigation in confined spaces. Singh described it as a product of the university's Centre of Excellence, freely roaming their Greater Noida campus, which fueled excitement amid India's push for homegrown AI tech. However, sharp-eyed observers quickly identified it as Unitree's Go2 model, a readily available Chinese quadruped robot priced around Rs 2-3 lakh online. Social media exploded with screenshots and calls of misrepresentation, drawing backlash from netizens and even prompting DD News to remove promotional posts.

In a prompt statement, Galgotias University denied any intent to mislead. "We have neither manufactured this robodog nor claimed ownership of it," the institution clarified, explaining it was purchased from Unitree Robotics purely for educational purposes. They emphasized importing such tools from China, the US, and Singapore to provide students with hands-on experience in AI and robotics, fostering innovation rather than claiming invention. The university positioned the demo as part of its Rs 350 crore AI ecosystem investment, aimed at training the next generation of engineers.

This episode highlights challenges in India's AI landscape, where enthusiasm for self-reliance often clashes with dependence on imported hardware. Unitree's Go2, known for its AI-driven mobility in security and inspections, exemplifies global tech that local institutions are adapting for learning—much like early drone programs in the country.

While skeptics question the initial presentation, Galgotias' clarification could redirect focus to student projects emerging from such tools, potentially strengthening India's tech education ecosystem. The summit itself continues to spotlight advancements, but this hiccup serves as a reminder for transparency in academic showcases.