Galgotias University Faces Backlash for Presenting Chinese Robot as Its Own at India AI Expo

Greater Noida-based Galgotias University was ordered to vacate its booth at the India AI Expo on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, after being accused of misrepresenting a commercially available Chinese-made robot as an institution-developed innovation. The incident sparked widespread criticism and prompted a response from the Indian government.

The Controversy Unfolds

The controversy began on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the second day of the India AI Expo, which is colocated with the AI Impact Summit in Bharat Mandapam. Galgotias University faculty presented a robot dog, dubbed ‘Orion,’ claiming it was a product of the university’s Centre of Excellence. However, social media users quickly identified the robot as the Unitree Go2, a quadruped robot manufactured by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics and commercially available for approximately $1,600. [Indian Express] Branding from the original manufacturer was also reportedly visible on the device.

Government Response and University Apology

Following the backlash, the government directed Galgotias University to immediately vacate its booth at the expo. [Indian Express] The Ministry of Electronics and IT had initially shared video footage of the robot on its social media channels, which were later removed.

Galgotias University initially issued a clarification stating it had not claimed to have built the robot. However, the university later apologized for the “embarrassment” and blamed a representative, Professor Neha Singh, for being “ill-informed.” [Hindustan Times] The university attributed her “enthusiasm of being on camera” as a contributing factor to the misrepresentation.

Broader Concerns and Future Implications

The incident has raised concerns about the misrepresentation of indigenous innovation at government-backed technology forums. [Indian Express] The Centre warned that exhibitors must not display items that are not their own. [Hindustan Times]

Galgotias University stated that the robot was acquired from Unitree and described it as “not merely a machine on display — it is a classroom in motion.” [The Hindu]