Galgotias University asked to vacate AI Summit stall in Delhi after ‘Orion’ robot row. Power cut at pavilion amid Unitree Go2 controversy.
Amid growing scrutiny, summit organisers directed Galgotias University to vacate its stall at the expo venue in New Delhi. (Photo: Social Media)
What began as a technology showcase at a national artificial intelligence event quickly turned into a high-profile controversy. Organisers at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi asked Galgotias University to vacate its exhibition stall after questions surfaced over a robotic dog displayed at its pavilion. Sources said authorities also cut power to the university’s booth following the directive.
The incident has sparked intense debate over transparency and innovation claims at government-backed technology events.
The controversy erupted after the Greater Noida-based university showcased a four-legged robotic dog under the name “Orion” at the expo. During media interactions, representatives described the machine as a product developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence.
Soon after, observers on social media identified the robot as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available quadruped manufactured by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics. The model reportedly sells in India for around ₹2–3 lakh.
VIDEO | Delhi: Power has reportedly been cut off at the Galgotias University pavilion at the AI Summit after it was asked to vacate the expo following a row over the display of a robotic dog.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 18, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/j5rOrSWfF0
As the video presentation went viral, critics accused the institution of presenting imported hardware as an in-house innovation. The issue gained further traction when Prof Neha Singh, representing the university, spoke about “Orion” to DD News and linked it to the university’s research initiatives.
Amid growing scrutiny, summit organisers directed Galgotias University to vacate its stall at the expo venue in New Delhi.
Witnesses at the venue said officials arrived at the pavilion and placed barricades in front of the Galgotias University stall after the directive was issued. Sources indicated that the power supply to the booth was cut shortly after organisers asked the institution to clear the space.
The move marked a rare and swift response at a high-profile national technology summit. The action followed widespread online criticism questioning the origin and branding of the robot displayed.
VIDEO | AI Summit: Officials arrive to put barricades in front of Galgotias University pavilion at AI Summit after organisers ask university to vacate expo following row over display of robotic dog.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 18, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/k8LJckia6c
The India AI Impact Summit had brought together universities, startups, and technology firms to showcase innovations in artificial intelligence. The unexpected development drew attention away from other exhibits and placed the focus squarely on the robotic dog controversy.
The row centres around whether the robotic dog presented as “Orion” was developed internally or sourced from abroad. Social media users pointed out similarities between the displayed robot and the Unitree Go2 model manufactured by Unitree Robotics.
The Unitree Go2 is widely available in international markets and comes with features such as AI-based navigation, obstacle avoidance, and remote connectivity. Critics argued that presenting the device under a different name at a national AI summit raised questions about attribution and transparency.
Following the backlash, Galgotias University issued a clarification stating that it had not claimed to have manufactured the robotic dog. The university maintained that it showcased the device as part of its academic initiatives and innovation exposure for students.
However, online users continued sharing the original footage, keeping the debate active across platforms.
The episode has triggered broader discussions within India’s technology and academic communities. Experts say institutions must clearly state whether showcased products are developed in-house or procured from external vendors, especially at government-supported platforms.
The controversy has also raised questions about vetting processes at large exhibitions and the responsibility of participating institutions to ensure accurate representation.
While the summit continues, the spotlight remains on the Galgotias University pavilion and the events that led to its removal from the expo floor.
