Galgotias University Asked to Vacate AI Impact Summit Expo Over Chinese Robodog Controversy

Authorities on Wednesday asked Galgotias University (Greater Noida) to vacate the AI Impact Summit Expo for causing a "national embarrassment" by allegedly claiming a Chinese Unitree robodog as its own creation, people aware of the matter said.

Visuals from the Summit showed that power to the Galgotias stall has been cut off.

However, Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University denied receiving any such directive. "We have not received any such direction. Galgotias University is a very responsible institution," she said.

In a viral clip, Professor Neha Singh referred to the robodog and said, "You need to meet Orion. This has been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University."

She described the machine as capable of surveillance and monitoring functions, adding that it moves freely across the campus.

Soon after, several viewers identified the robot dog as a product sourced from Chinese robotics firm Unitree, sparking online backlash.

After the controversy erupted, Galgotias University released a statement on social media.

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

The university expressed that faculty and students are "deeply pained" by the "propaganda campaign" and emphasized that robotic programming helps students learn AI programming and develop real-world skills using globally available tools.

Unitree Robotics' "robodogs" are advanced four-legged robots built to walk and move similarly to real animals while performing various tasks, from crossing obstacles to industrial site inspections. The Chinese firm produces these machines at lower prices than competitors like Boston Dynamics' Spot.