Galgotias University Robot Dog Controversy: Unitree Robotics Model Goes Viral at AI Impact Summit 2026

The AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi, one of India’s major artificial intelligence and technology events, has landed in controversy after a robot dog showcased by Galgotias University was identified as a commercially available product from a Chinese robotics company. The incident has triggered widespread discussion on social media, raising questions about innovation, transparency, and the role of universities in showcasing technology.

Robot Dog ‘Orion’ Presented as Innovation

During the summit, held in Delhi, the university displayed a robotic dog named “Orion” at its pavilion. The robot attracted significant attention from visitors, tech enthusiasts, and media, with claims suggesting it was developed as part of the university’s own innovation and research initiatives.

The demonstration was intended to highlight the institution’s focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, and hands-on student learning. However, things took a dramatic turn when videos of the robot dog began circulating online.

Viral Video Raises Questions on Social Media

Soon after the robot dog demonstration, videos went viral across social media platforms. Tech experts and users began closely examining the robot’s design and branding. Several users noticed markings and design features that did not appear to be original or custom-built.

This sparked speculation about whether the robot was truly developed by the university or sourced externally.

Robot Dog Identified as Unitree Robotics Product

Galgotias University: AI Impact Summit 2026 में गलगोटिया यूनिवर्सिटी का रोबोट डॉग, निकला चीनी कंपनी का प्रोडक्ट, फिर हुआ वीडियो वायरल#galgotiasuniversity#robodog#robotdog#AIImpactSummit#IndiaAIImpactSummit2026pic.twitter.com/jyOyELLRpj

— StackUmbrella (@Stackumbrella) February 18, 2026

Following further analysis, many tech observers identified the robot dog as a model manufactured by Unitree Robotics, a well-known robotics company based in China.

Unitree Robotics produces advanced quadruped robots that are widely used for research, education, and commercial purposes. These robots are available for purchase globally and are commonly used by universities and research institutions for teaching and experimentation.

This revelation led to accusations on social media that the university may have presented a commercially available foreign product as its own innovation.

Why the Controversy Matters

The controversy quickly gained momentum because the AI Impact Summit is widely seen as a prestigious platform to showcase India’s technological progress and homegrown innovation. At such high-profile events, transparency and authenticity are considered essential, especially when institutions present advanced technologies.

After the robot dog video went viral, critics and tech observers began raising serious questions about its origin. Many wondered whether the robot was truly developed by the university or if it was a ready-made product sourced from an external company.

Others questioned whether students had made any original modifications, such as custom programming or hardware improvements, or if it was simply being displayed as an educational tool. As these doubts spread rapidly across social media, the issue sparked intense debate within the tech community, with many people calling for greater clarity and honesty regarding the robot’s development and the university’s innovation claims.

Galgotias University Issues Clarification

After the controversy escalated, the university issued a clarification. According to the university, the robot dog was presented as part of its educational and learning initiatives, not necessarily as a fully original product built from scratch.

The university emphasized that the purpose of showcasing the robot was to:

• Provide practical exposure to students

• Enhance hands-on learning in robotics and AI

• Demonstrate how advanced robotics systems work

Officials stated that such robots are used as learning platforms to help students understand artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics systems in real-world scenarios.

Role of Commercial Robots in Education

It is important to note that many universities worldwide use commercially available robots for educational purposes. These robots serve as platforms for:

• AI programming experiments

• Robotics research

• Automation testing

• Student innovation projects

Using such platforms is a common practice in technical education.

The robot dog controversy involving Galgotias University at the AI Impact Summit 2026 highlights the growing public interest in artificial intelligence and robotics innovation. While the robot was identified as a Unitree Robotics product, the university maintains that its intention was educational rather than misleading.

The incident has sparked an important conversation about transparency, innovation, and how educational institutions present technology in public forums. As AI and robotics continue to evolve rapidly, such debates will play a key role in shaping the future of tech education and innovation in India.