The Chinese-made robotic dog, which received maximum attention at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, is no longer on display at the Galgotias University booth. The Unitree Robodog was taken off the show after the university faced backlash over claims the machine was developed internally.
The controversy began after a video clip from the summit circulated in which Professor Neha Singh described the robotic dog called “Orion” as having been developed by the university’s Center of Excellence. She said in the clip that the robot can carry out monitoring and monitoring tasks and move freely across the campus.
Soon after, several viewers identified the machine as a commercially available quadruped robot made by Chinese company Unitree Robotics, sparking criticism on social media and prompting an explanation from the university.
League clarification after backlash
Galgotias University said it never claimed to have created the robot dog, and that it was acquired to give students practical exposure to advanced technologies.
“Galgotias did not build this robot dog, nor do we claim to do so,” the university said in its statement. “What we are building are the minds that will soon be designing, engineering and manufacturing such technologies here in Bharat.”
The university added that it regularly brings in the latest technologies from countries such as China, Singapore and the United States to educate students. Unitree described the robodog as a “mobile classroom” used for experimentation and skill building.
Professor Neha Singh replied
Amid reports that the university was asked to vacate its booth at the exhibition, Professor Neha Singh addressed the controversy and admitted that her previous statements may not have been conveyed clearly.
She said: “The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly. I take responsibility because I may not have communicated it correctly. It was done with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and very quickly, so I may not have been able to express it as eloquently as I usually do. Also, the intent may not have been properly understood.”
She added: “There is an important point regarding the robotic dog. We cannot claim that we manufactured it. I told everyone that we presented it to our students to inspire them to create something better themselves. Our university contributes to building future leaders by providing advanced technologies in the field of artificial intelligence, and it will continue to do so.”
Regarding reports that the authorities asked the university to evacuate the exhibition area, Singh said: “I do not have any information about that. What I do know is that today we are all present here.”
About Unitree RoboDog
Unitree Robotics produces a range of four-legged robots designed to mimic the movement of animals and perform tasks such as obstacle navigation, inspections and demonstrations. The company is known for offering its four-legged robots at relatively affordable prices, making them widely used in research, education, and technology exhibitions.
Summit visitors noted on Tuesday that the robotic dog was no longer present at Galgotias’ booth after clarification and controversy.
