New Delhi witnessed a heated debate at the recent AI Summit when a robot dog stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Professor Neha Singh from Galgotias University has stepped forward to set the record straight, emphasizing that the robotic model was purely for educational purposes.
Speaking exclusively, Professor Singh explained that the robot was brought in to showcase student-developed technologies and to highlight robotic capabilities. ‘Our goal was to demonstrate what our students have built and inspire further innovation,’ she said. The misunderstanding arose when the presentation was misconstrued, sparking widespread controversy on social media.
The professor detailed how the robot serves as a hands-on tool for students’ research and learning. ‘It’s all about equipping our youth with skills to create advanced tech, aligning with India’s vision of a developed nation and self-reliance in technology,’ she added. She acknowledged that some comments during the demo were taken out of context, fueling the online backlash.
Professor Aishwarya Shrivastava, also from the university, echoed these sentiments, expressing regret over the incident. ‘This platform was meant to celebrate student achievements, not to tarnish anyone’s image,’ she clarified. The team stressed that their work supports national goals of innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The controversy ignited after a news outlet claimed the university passed off a Chinese robot as an Indian innovation. This led to sharp criticism, including a post from Rahul Gandhi calling the summit a ‘disorganized PR spectacle.’ Meanwhile, research on the robot continues, with students pushing boundaries for better versions.
As AI events gain prominence, this episode underscores the need for clear communication in showcasing tech advancements. Galgotias University remains committed to fostering genuine innovation amid the digital revolution.