Galgotias University Booted from AI Summit Over “Robotic Dog” Controversy.

New Delhi, 18 February 2026 — At the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Galgotias University was instructed to vacate its expo booth following a robotic dog controversy. The incident sparked debates on innovation claims and transparency in university technology showcases. Summit organizers acted swiftly to maintain credibility at one of India’s largest AI events.

The AI Impact Summit, held at Bharat Mandapam and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is one of the largest international technology gatherings hosted in the Global South, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.

The Controversy: Robotic Dog Called “Orion”

The uproar began when a video went viral on social media showing representatives from the Greater Noida–based university showcasing a robotic dog named “Orion” at its booth. In the clip, the presenters appeared to imply the device was developed by the university’s own Centre of Excellence, leading viewers to believe it was an indigenous innovation.

However, tech observers quickly noted that the robot closely resembled the Unitree Go2, a commercially available four‑legged robot manufactured by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics, widely sold online and not developed by the university.

Accusations spread rapidly on social platforms, with critics saying Galgotias had misrepresented imported technology as its own — a sensitive issue in the context of a global summit highlighting domestic AI capabilities.

Response and Clarification

Facing mounting backlash, Galgotias University issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) clarifying that it had not built the robotic dog nor ever claimed that it developed the technology domestically. The university described the robot as a “learning tool” acquired to provide students with practical, hands‑on experience with advanced technologies.

“We at Galgotias… clearly state that the robotic programming displayed is part of our endeavour to make students learn AI programming and develop real‑world skills using globally available tools and resources,” the statement said, adding that innovation and learning should not be confined by national borders.

Despite this clarification, an X community fact‑check noted that the university’s claim of not presenting the robot as its own was incorrect and misleading given the original presentation at the event.

BIG BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Galgotias University has been asked to immediately vacate the AI Impact Summit Expo.

They wrongly claimed that a Chinese Robot was built by them. pic.twitter.com/nkQspz3uEr

— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) February 18, 2026

Summit Organizers Take Action

Amid the escalating public controversy and questions about authenticity and representation, summit organizers reportedly instructed Galgotias University to vacate its expo space immediately. Government sources indicated the decision was taken to maintain the credibility of the summit and address concerns about the nature of exhibits at a high‑profile international forum.

No official statement from the AI Impact Summit committee has been issued yet, but the swift directive underscored the seriousness with which the issue was treated by event authorities and government representatives.

Broader Reactions

The incident has triggered a broader conversation about academic integrity, innovation credentials, and the standards expected from institutions participating in global technology showcases. Online debates ranged from concerns about misleading claims to discussions about the importance of transparency when presenting technological capabilities.