Explained: The Galgotias University Robotic Dog Controversy At India AI Impact Summit 2026

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 13:37 IST

Many claimed that the device looked exactly like the Unitree Go2, a commercially available robotic dog made by a Chinese company.

The issue began when a robotic dog named “ORION.” (Photo Credit: X)

Big technology events are often seen as a stage to show what the future looks like. Universities, startups and companies bring their latest ideas in a hope to impress experts and policymakers. That is what happened at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi where Galgotias University found itself in the middle of a debate.

Government sources said on Wednesday, February 18, that the university had been asked to vacate the expo venue immediately. The move came after questions were raised about a robotic dog displayed at the summit.

What Sparked Galgotias University’s Robotic Dog Controversy?

The issue began when a robotic dog named “ORION” was presented at the summit. A video showed a faculty member demonstrating the robot which caught widespread attention online. Soon after, social media users claimed that the device looked exactly like the Unitree Go2, a commercially available robotic dog made by a Chinese company.

This led to accusations that the university was presenting an imported product as its own innovation. The controversy grew because the display was linked to the university’s larger Rs 350 crore AI ecosystem investment.

How Did The University Respond?

As the debate picked up pace online, the university issued a clarification. It said that it had never “claimed” to have built the robotic dog. According to the statement, the device was purchased from China-based Unitree for academic purposes and student learning.

“The recently acquired robodog from Unitree is one such step in that journey. It is not merely a machine on display; it is a classroom in motion. Our students are experimenting with it, testing its limits and, in the process, expanding their own knowledge. Let us be clear: Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we ever claimed to. Let us be clear – Galgotias has not built this robodog, neither have we claimed. But what we are building are minds that will soon design, engineer, and manufacture such technologies right here in Bharat,” the statement read which was shared by the university’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

What Were The Broader Criticisms?

The controversy did not remain limited to just the robot. Critics began questioning how projects are selected for display at national-level technology events. Concerns about whether imported, off-the-shelf products should be showed at such summits were also raised.

The debate also extended to government-backed innovation funding and patent support.

What Is Galgotias University’s AI Ecosystem Investment?

At the centre of the discussion is the university’s announcement of investing over Rs 350 crore in building an AI ecosystem. This has been described as the largest investment of its kind by a private university in India.

The investment was made with an aim to create strong infrastructure for AI education, research and real-world applications.

What Are The Core Infrastructure And Key Components Of University’s AI Push?

A high-end computing setup powered by NVIDIA’s DGX H200 supercomputing platform is the major part of its AI push. It is designed to handle large-scale AI model training across areas like data science, machine learning and computer vision.

The campus also houses Centres of Excellence focused on applied research, patents and startup support. Students and researchers are given access to high-performance computing tools for interdisciplinary projects. The curriculum is reportedly aligned with industry needs and supported by enterprise-level technology.

What About The Strategic Goals?

Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, has stated that the long-term goal is to help position India as a global leader in AI. He said that the emphasisis is on building real national capability in advanced technologies.

What Is Galgotias University Famous For?

Galgotias University is a private institution that is located in Greater Noida. It is known for its engineering and technology programs.

The university has over 20,000 students and 80,000 alumni worldwide. In engineering, it has been ranked in the 101–150 band in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ankings.

Why Is Galgotias University Popular?

The university attracts a large number of students because of its industry connections and NAAC A+ accreditation. Tech giants like Infosys, TCS, Amazon, Google and Cisco are known to hire from the campus.

Who Are Some Notable Alumni?

Several graduates have built successful careers in technology and business. Some former students now work at global companies such as Google and Cisco. There are also entrepreneurs among its alumni, including founders and CEOs in the tech and startup space.

What Are The Best Courses Offered?

The university’s strongest programs are in technology. B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering especially with AI and machine learning specialisations, remains one of the most sought-after courses.

Apart from engineering, it also offers MBA and core engineering branches like Mechanical and Civil.

What Are Galgotias University’s AI Contributions?

Beyond the current controversy, the university positions itself as a major private investor in AI education in India. The Rs 350 crore ecosystem includes advanced labs in areas such as semiconductors and drone intelligence.

Students and startups associated with the university were also showcased at the AI Impact Summit 2026. Despite the debate around the robotic dog, the institution continues to project itself as a serious player in India’s growing AI landscape.

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