Galgotias University’s ‘Robodog’ Showcase Sparks Row at AI Summit, Asked to Vacate Over Chinese-Origin Claims

New Delhi: The authorities have asked Galgotias University to vacate the AI Impact Summit Expo following allegations that the institution presented a Chinese-made robotic dog as its own invention, sources said. The University faced severe online and offline criticism after a robot allegedly manufactured by a Chinese company was seen at the University display stall.

Following row Galgotias University has clarified the controversy surrounding a Chinese-made robodog displayed at the India AI Impact Summit, stating it never claimed to have built the device. Responding to the row, professor Dr Aishwarya Shrivastava said the university had “not built this robodog, nor claimed it”, adding that the exhibit was only part of its AI investment showcase and was widely misinterpreted. 

She also noted that, as of now, the university has received no official communication asking it to vacate the expo, emphasizing that its focus remains on developing talent capable of designing and manufacturing such advanced technologies in Bharat in the future. 

A professor from Galgotias University said the institution has not received any information yet asking it to leave and clarified that they were invited to the venue for training purposes. The professor stated their earlier remarks were misunderstood, expressed regret and apologized for the situation, and added that the robodog in question is currently on the university campus.

Earlier, amid the rising heat over the controversy, the institution issued an official clarification claiming concern about the "propaganda" against the university. The University said that robotic programming is part of its endeavour to teach students to build AI applications, enabling them to develop and deploy real-world skills using globally available tools and resources.

"We at Galgotias, faculty and students, are deeply pained by the propaganda campaign against our university. We would like to clearly state that the robotic programming is part of our endeavour to make students learn AI programming and develop & deploy real world skills using globally available tools and resources, given developing AI talent is need of an hour," the statement said.

The institution said its vision focuses on student learning and innovation, providing students with access to modern technologies to gain practical experience and prepare for the future.

"Our university's vision is focused on student learning & innovation and we provide students with access to modern technologies so they can gain practical experience and prepare for the future. Spreading negativity can harm the morale of students, who are working hard to innovate, learn, and build their skills using global technologies," said the statement.

The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress.

Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur said the controversy arose from confusion between the terms “develop” and “development,” emphasizing that the institution did not develop the robot but only worked on its development for student research. He explained that the robot was brought to help students study and experiment with such technology, possibly procured from China if the manufacturer claims so, and reiterated that he has not received any official communication directing the institution to vacate the expo.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital yesterday. He emphasised that the country's progress in AI will not only shape transformative solutions for the nation but also contribute to global advancement.

Over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders are participating at the Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South.

Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. With ANI Inputs

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