New Delhi: A controversy erupted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after Noida-based Galgotias University was asked to vacate its exhibition stall for allegedly misrepresenting a Chinese robotic dog as its own innovation. The incident took place at Bharat Mandapam during the high-profile summit, drawing sharp reactions from the Centre and the tech community.
The row began when a university representative showcased a robotic dog at the expo, describing it as capable of surveillance and campus monitoring. However, social media users quickly identified the machine as a product of Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics. The video went viral, triggering accusations that the institution was passing off imported technology as indigenous innovation.
Following the backlash, government officials intervened. IT Secretary S Krishnan stated that exhibitors must not display products that are not their own and emphasized that plagiarism or misinformation would not be tolerated at such a global platform. Officials later termed the episode a “national embarrassment,” prompting the university to vacate its stall.
In its initial clarification, Galgotias University denied claiming ownership of the robodog, stating that its focus was on training students in AI using globally available tools. However, as criticism intensified, the university issued a fresh apology, attributing the confusion to an “ill-informed” representative who was allegedly not authorized to speak to the media.
The professor at the centre of the controversy expressed regret, saying her remarks were not clearly articulated amid the rush and excitement of the event. She maintained there was no intention to falsely claim ownership.
The Centre has since issued a formal warning to all exhibitors, reiterating that only genuine, self-developed innovations should be showcased at national platforms of global significance.
