'Your Six, Somebody Else’s Nine': Galgotias Professor Under Fire Over Robodog Claim

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 17:22 IST

Galgotias University faced criticism at India AI Impact Summit 2026 for displaying the Unitree Go2 robotic dog as “Orion”.

Galgotias University AI Summit Row: Amid mounting controversy over the display of a Chinese robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University said that her remarks were not clearly articulated and expressed regret over how they were interpreted.

She said that the issue arose out of enthusiasm and misinterpretation rather than any intention to falsely claim ownership of the machine.

“The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly. I take accountability that perhaps I did not communicate it properly, as it was done with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and very quickly, so I may not have come across as eloquently as I usually do," she said as quoted by news agency PTI.

Responding to the allegations, Singh acknowledged that the university could not claim to have built the machine. She said that the robot dog was procured as part of the university’s AI investments and meant as a hands-on learning platform for students – not as an in-house invention.

“One important point is regarding the robot dog—we cannot claim that we manufactured it. I have told everyone that we introduced it to our students to inspire them to create something better on their own. Our university contributes to building future leaders by providing cutting-edge technologies in the field of AI, and it will continue to do so," she added.

While speaking to Hindustan Times, the professor said that even without social media backlash, the university would have clarified the matter.

“If this had not been noticed by people, we would still have clarified. We cannot claim something that is not built by our students," she said, describing the episode as a matter of interpretation. “You’re maintaining your six, somebody else’s nine — that’s what happened."

Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur also said that the confusion stemmed from the use of the words “develop" and “development." He clarified that the university did not develop the robot but had worked on its development for academic and research purposes.

What’s The Row?

Galgotias University faced intense criticism after reports suggested that the Unitree Go2 robotic dog was displayed under the name “Orion," prompting allegations that imported technology was being presented as indigenously developed.

A clip went viral showing Singh introducing the Robodog as ‘Orion’ and saying it was developed by the Centre of Excellence of the institution.

It was alleged that the device was in fact the Unitree Go2, an AI-powered robotic dog manufactured by China-based robotics company Unitree, and not indigenously developed.

University Issues Clarification

Galgotias University on Tuesday issued a clarification saying it “never claimed to have built the device" and that it was procured from a Chinese manufacturer for academic purposes.

In a statement, the university said the robotic dog was acquired from Unitree, a global robotics company based in China, and is being used as a learning tool for students.

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

Galgotia University Vacates AI Summit

Meanwhile, the university was asked to vacate its stall at the summit venue in the national capital, following which electrical power to the pavilion was cut. Staff and students subsequently cleared the stall.

Later, the Central government issued a stern warning to all exhibitors after the row. IT Secretary S Krishnan issued a warning by saying, “Exhibitors must not display items that are not theirs."

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