Galgotias University Evicted from AI Summit Over Chinese 'Orion' Robodog Row.

Galgotias University Evicted from AI Summit Over Chinese 'Orion' Robodog Row.

Galgotias University Asked to Vacate AI Impact Summit After Row Over Chinese Robodog: Power Cut at Stall Sparks National Backlash.

                    On February 18, 2026, a major controversy erupted at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam when Galgotias University (Greater Noida) was directed to vacate its expo stall.

            The action followed intense online and media scrutiny over the university's display of a robotic dog—branded as "Orion"—which was presented in a viral video as a product developed by the institution's Centre of Excellence. Social media users and observers quickly identified the quadruped robot as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available model from Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics, priced between ₹2-3 lakh in India.

The incident drew widespread criticism, with some labeling it a "national embarrassment" for misrepresenting imported technology as indigenous innovation during a high-profile government-backed AI event. Government sources confirmed the directive to vacate, citing the need to avoid further reputational damage to the summit. Visuals from the venue showed power to the Galgotias stall being cut off, with staff and representatives eventually leaving the premises amid media questions they largely avoided.

The Unitree Go2 robodog in action, showcasing its agile quadruped design typical of the Chinese-manufactured model.

Close-up of the Unitree Go2, highlighting its grey metallic body, sensor-equipped head, and four-legged mobility—identical to the "Orion" displayed at the summit.

The Viral Video That Sparked the Firestorm

The controversy originated from a clip aired on state broadcaster DD News and shared widely on social media. Professor Neha Singh, from Galgotias University's School of Management (Communications department), introduced the robot during an interview:

"You need to meet Orion. This has been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University."

She further described its capabilities, noting it could perform surveillance and monitoring functions, move freely across campus, and take "all shapes and sizes" while being "quite naughty also." The enthusiastic presentation gave the impression of an in-house breakthrough, aligning with India's push for self-reliance in AI and robotics under initiatives like "Make in India" and the broader AI ecosystem promotion.

Within hours, netizens identified striking similarities to the Unitree Go2—a popular, affordable alternative to pricier models like Boston Dynamics' Spot. Unitree, founded in Hangzhou, China, specializes in cost-effective quadruped robots for research, education, industrial inspection, and entertainment. The Go2 features advanced AI integration, obstacle navigation, and modular payloads, making it accessible for universities worldwide.

Critics accused the university of "passing off" foreign tech as Indian, with some pointing to rebranding as "Orion" and the lack of transparency about its origins. Political figures and opposition voices amplified the outrage, calling it emblematic of "cheap PR" and questioning oversight at such summits.

Professor Neha Singh speaking to media at the AI Impact Summit, where she introduced the "Orion" robodog in the viral clip.

Side-by-side comparison showing the displayed "Orion" at Galgotias stall matching the Unitree Go2 design, fueling identification by online users.

Galgotias University stall at the summit expo, with crowds gathered around the robotic display before the controversy escalated.

University’s Response and Clarifications

Galgotias University issued multiple statements denying any intent to mislead. In an initial post on social media:

"Let us be clear — Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we claimed to do so. What we are building are minds that will soon design, engineer, and manufacture such technologies here in Bharat."

A follow-up emphasized educational intent:

"Robotic programming is part of our endeavour to make students learn AI programming and develop & deploy real-world skills using globally available tools and resources... Spreading negativity can harm the morale of students who are working hard to innovate."

Professor Neha Singh addressed the backlash personally, attributing it to "misinterpretation":

"Your six can be my nine... To call it misleading is a big thing. You all are journalists. You should use such words responsibly. Due to one misinterpretation, there is a massive social media storm now."

She clarified she is not from the AI department, the robot was for demonstration and student research, and no official directive to vacate had been received by her knowledge. University representatives reiterated that the device was procured for hands-on learning, not claimed as manufactured in-house.

Despite these defenses, the damage was done. The robot was removed from display, power was disconnected (as per visuals and reports), and staff vacated the stall by afternoon on February 18.

What Is the Unitree Go2 Robodog?

Unitree Robotics' Go2 series represents a leap in accessible embodied AI. Key features include:Quadruped locomotion mimicking animal movement for rough terrain navigation.

Integrated AI for autonomous pathfinding, obstacle avoidance, and task execution.

Modular design supporting add-ons like cameras for surveillance or arms for interaction.

Affordable pricing (around $2,800 USD globally, ₹2-3 lakh in India) compared to competitors.

Used in education, research, inspection, and entertainment worldwide.

The Go2's popularity stems from its balance of performance and cost, making it ideal for universities experimenting with robotics without massive budgets.

Unitree Go2 demonstrating dynamic movements, such as jumping or balancing—capabilities highlighted in the Galgotias presentation.

Another angle of the Unitree Go2 in a natural setting, emphasizing its real-world application potential for surveillance and monitoring as described.

Broader Implications and Reactions

The episode highlighted tensions in India's AI narrative: ambition for indigenous innovation versus reliance on global (often Chinese) hardware. Critics argued it undermined genuine efforts by startups and institutions developing homegrown tech. Supporters of the university viewed it as overblown, noting exposure to advanced tools is standard in education.

Social media erupted with memes, calls for accountability, and debates on "Atmanirbhar Bharat" in tech. Some questioned summit vetting processes, while others defended educational use of imported devices.

As the summit continued, the focus shifted back to policy discussions, but the Galgotias row served as a cautionary tale on transparency in showcasing innovations.

This incident underscores the scrutiny on educational institutions amid India's AI push—balancing global learning with credible claims of progress.