Feb 18 • 22:29 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Indian university kicked out of summit for falsely claiming credit for Chinese robot

An Indian university was removed from an AI summit for falsely presenting a Chinese robotic dog as its own creation.

A significant incident occurred at an AI summit in New Delhi when Galgotias University was expelled after it falsely claimed credit for a robotic dog developed by Chinese manufacturer Unitree Robotics. The controversy ignited when Neha Singh, a professor at the university, made statements to state-run broadcaster DD News, proclaiming that the robotic dog, referred to as Orion, was an innovation stemming from her university's Centre of Excellence. However, internet users swiftly debunked the claim, pointing out that the showcased robot was actually the Unitree Go2, widely recognized in the market.

The expulsion of Galgotias University from the summit highlights the importance of integrity and accuracy in academic and technological representations. The situation serves as a reminder of the increasing scrutiny that innovations face in today's digital age, where information can be rapidly verified and misinformation swiftly corrected. This clash of claims not only draws attention to the university's reputation but also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of educational institutions in asserting ownership over technological advancements.

As the summit continues, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address attendees, the incident could overshadow the event and draw media focus toward discussions about intellectual property rights and the ethical implications of technology in academia. The ripple effects of this controversy may encourage a more rigorous vetting process for presentations made by participating universities at future gatherings, emphasizing the need for accountability in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and robotics.

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