Galgotias University Asked To Vacate AI Summit Stall After China-Made Robot Dog Display; Sparks Controversy

• Galgotias University asked to vacate stall at India AI Impact Summit
• Viral video shows China-made robotic dog presented as in-house innovation
• Social media backlash prompts swift action by organisers

A controversy broke out at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after Galgotias University was reportedly asked to vacate its stall in the expo area over claims surrounding a robotic dog on display.

The action followed the circulation of a viral video that raised questions about the origin of the showcased technology.

Robot Display Sparks Row

The Greater Noida-based university had displayed a robotic dog at the summit under the name "Orion". During interactions at the stall, representatives allegedly described the robot as a product developed by the university's Centre of Excellence.

However, the device was later identified as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available robotic dog manufactured by Chinese company Unitree Robotics. The model is available online in India and typically costs between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh.

Why controversy erupted:

Robot identified as commercially available China-made Unitree Go2
Displayed as "Orion" and claimed as in-house innovation
Viral videos triggered backlash on social media
Viral Videos Lead To Action

Clips from the summit showed university representatives explaining the robot's features and presenting it as an internally developed product. In another video, a faculty member reportedly repeated similar claims to media persons at the venue.

Soon after the videos spread online, social media users identified the robot's original manufacturer and accused the institution of misrepresenting imported technology as its own innovation. The issue gained traction quickly, drawing criticism from users and tech observers.

Galgotias University Professor On The Row:

Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University responds to reports of the university being asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo, says, "The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly. I take accountability that perhaps I did not communicate it properly, as it was done with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and very quickly, so I may not have come across as eloquently as I usually do. Also, the intent may not have been properly understood. One important point is regarding the robot dog-we cannot claim that we manufactured it. I have told everyone that we introduced it to our students to inspire them to create something better on their own. Our university contributes to building future leaders by providing cutting-edge technologies in the field of AI, and it will continue to do so."

Regarding whether the government asked us to vacate the expo area, she says, "I do not have any information about that. What I know is that today we are all present here."

Here's What The University Said: Galgotias University Professor Dr Aishwarya Shrivastava says,"We never claimed that..."

Stall Vacated After Backlash

Following the online uproar, summit organisers asked the university to vacate its stall at the expo area, sources said. The incident has sparked discussion around transparency in showcasing technology and innovation at public platforms.

The university has yet to issue a detailed public statement on the controversy, while the videos from the summit continue to circulate widely online.