Greater Noida erupted in controversy following a major blunder at the Bharat AI Impact Summit 2026, where Galgotias University was accused of falsely claiming a Chinese robotic dog as its own innovation. The university has now issued a formal apology, admitting the error stemmed from a representative’s lack of knowledge.
During the event at the university’s pavilion, a staff member showcased Unitree’s Go2 robotic dog, dubbed ‘Orion,’ as a product developed at the institution’s Center of Excellence. This sparked instant outrage on social media, with users quickly identifying it as a commercially available Chinese product priced between 2-3 lakh rupees in India. The backlash was so severe that organizers asked the university to vacate its expo stall.
In a press release, Galgotias University expressed regret: ‘We apologize for the confusion at the recent AI Summit. Our pavilion representative had incorrect information and, in the excitement of being on camera, shared inaccurate details about the product’s technical origin—despite not being authorized to speak to the press.’
The university emphasized there was no institutional intent to mislead. ‘We are fully committed to academic integrity, transparency, and accountability in presenting our work,’ the statement read. Acknowledging the organizers’ sentiments, they promptly cleared the premises.
The fiasco began when Professor Neha Singh from the Communications department, in a viral interview, touted ‘Orion’ as a homegrown achievement. Netizens trolled the claim relentlessly, labeling it a blatant misrepresentation that undermined India’s genuine AI progress.
Prior to the apology, the university had defended itself on X (formerly Twitter), lamenting a ‘propaganda campaign’ against it. ‘Our robotic programming efforts allow students to learn AI skills using global tools and resources, deploying real-world capabilities,’ they posted. ‘Our vision focuses on student learning and innovation, providing access to modern technology for practical experience and future readiness. Spreading negativity could demoralize hardworking students innovating with global tech.’
This incident raises broader questions about authenticity in academic showcases and the pressures of high-stakes tech summits. As AI hype builds in India, institutions must double down on factual representations to maintain credibility. Galgotias’ swift apology may help salvage its reputation, but the viral video’s damage lingers online.