Himal Hub / Galgotias University was asked to immediately vacate its stall at the ongoing India AI Impact Expo 2026 after controversy erupted over a robotic dog displayed at the event.
The university had showcased a robotic dog named “Orion” as part of its artificial intelligence and robotics initiatives. However, social media users alleged that the device was actually the China-made Unitree Go2 and not an in-house innovation by the university. Amid growing online criticism and accusations of misrepresenting imported technology as its own, event authorities reportedly directed the university to clear its stall.
Following the backlash, Galgotias University issued an official statement clarifying that it had not claimed to have built the robotic dog. The institution expressed concern over what it described as a misinformation campaign against it. “We clarify that Galgotias has not developed this robotic dog, nor have we made such a claim. However, we are preparing minds that will soon design, engineer, and manufacture such technologies in India,”
The university emphasized that the robot was displayed to provide students with hands-on exposure to modern technologies and to support learning and innovation. The India AI Impact Expo 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, has drawn participation from over 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and more than 500 global AI leaders, making it one of the largest AI gatherings in the Global South.
