A controversy erupted at the AI Impact Summit 2026 after a robot dog showcased by Galgotias University was claimed to be from a Chinese company, leading the government to ask for the university's removal from the event.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 witnessed controversy involving a robot dog presented by Galgotias University, which was reportedly linked to the Chinese company Unitree Robotics. Following the viral video showcasing the robot, the university was asked to exit the Expo area at the summit. Government sources indicated that this decision was taken in response to the uproar stemming from the video's circulation.
In the pavilion of Galgotias University, the robot dog was initially hailed as a product of their Center of Excellence. However, as the video gained traction on social media, tech users and industry observers pointed out its similarities to an existing commercial model by Unitree Robotics. This led to a rapid escalation of the controversy, questioning the authenticity of the university's claims regarding the innovation.
In light of the growing backlash, the university clarified that they did not present the robot as an in-house development, asserting that it was acquired for student training and research purposes and showcased for educational intent. The incident has drawn attention from various quarters, including political figures like Rahul Gandhi, who also commented on the situation via a post on X.
