Galgotias blames ‘ill-informed’ professor for robodog controversy at AI Summit, issues third clarification
PTC Web Desk: Galgotias University has issued yet another clarification after facing criticism over claims made about a robot dog showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. In its latest statement on Wednesday, the university expressed regret for the confusion created during the event and said the situation arose due to misinformation shared by one of its representatives.
The university said the faculty member present at the pavilion was “ill-informed” and unaware of the technical background of the robot. It added that the representative, Professor Neha Singh, spoke to the media without authorisation and shared incorrect details about the product.
“We sincerely apologise for the confusion at the recent AI Summit. One of our representatives at the pavilion was not fully aware of the technical origins of the product. In her enthusiasm to speak on camera, she provided factually incorrect information despite not being authorised to address the press. Respecting the sentiments of the organisers, we have vacated the premises,” the university said in its statement.
This is the third clarification issued by the institution since the controversy began on Tuesday.
The row started after a video clip from the summit went viral on social media. In the clip, Professor Neha Singh is seen introducing a robot dog named ‘Orion’, claiming that it had been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University. She also described the robot as capable of surveillance and monitoring and said it could move freely across the campus.
However, soon after the video surfaced, social media users pointed out that the robot appeared to be a product of Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics. The claims triggered sharp criticism online, with many questioning the university’s representation of the device.
In its first response, the university had denied manufacturing the robot dog. It stated that Galgotias had not built the machine and had never claimed ownership of it. The institution maintained that its focus is on nurturing students who will design and manufacture such advanced technologies in India in the future.
Following the controversy, reports suggested that the organisers of the AI Impact Summit Expo asked the university to vacate its stall, terming the episode a “national embarrassment.” Although Professor Neha Singh later said the university had not received any formal directive to leave, visuals from the venue showed that power supply to the Galgotias stall had been cut off.
The incident has sparked debate over accountability and representation at high-profile technology events, especially at a time when India is promoting innovation and self-reliance in emerging technologies.
- With inputs from agencies
