Galgotias University on Tuesday issued a clarification after facing criticism for allegedly presenting a Chinese robot dog as its own innovation at the ongoing AI summit in Delhi.
The controversy erupted after a video from the India AI Impact Summit went viral on social media. In the clip, a university professor appeared to suggest that the robot dog, named “Orion,” was developed in-house by the institution’s Centre of Excellence.
Viral Video Sparks Backlash
The video featured Professor Neha Singh stating that the robot dog was built by the university and deployed for surveillance and monitoring tasks across campus. However, viewers quickly pointed out that the machine closely resembled a commercially available quadruped robot manufactured by Unitree Robotics.
Online users identified the model as a Unitree robodog, prompting criticism and allegations of misrepresentation.
University Issues Public Clarification
In its official statement, Galgotias University said it had not developed the robot dog and had never claimed to have built it.
“Galgotias has not built this robodog, neither have we claimed,” the statement said. The university added that it regularly acquires advanced technologies from countries such as China, Singapore, and the United States to provide hands-on exposure to students.
The institution described the robot as a learning tool that allows students to experiment, test capabilities, and deepen their understanding of robotics and artificial intelligence.
What Is a Unitree Robot Dog?
Unitree Robotics manufactures a range of quadruped robots, commonly referred to as “robodogs.” These machines are designed to mimic animal movement and can perform tasks such as obstacle navigation, industrial inspection, research applications, and entertainment.
Unitree has gained recognition for offering comparatively affordable robotic systems in the global market, competing with products such as Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot, Spot.
Summit Context
The incident occurred during the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where academic institutions, technology firms, and policymakers are showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics.
While the university has clarified its position, the episode has triggered wider conversations online about transparency in technology demonstrations and the importance of clear attribution in academic and innovation showcases.
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