Chinese robodog row: Galgotias University vacates AI Impact Summit stall after power cut | Watch

People visit Galgotias University stall at AI summit ahead of an eviction order issued by authorities

• Galgotias University vacated AI Summit stall after robodog row
• University accused of presenting China-made robodog as its own
• Officials clarify robot was for student research, not invention

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A controversy over the display of a “Chinese” robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 led to Galgotias University vacating its stall on Wednesday, with power supply to its pavilion also reportedly cut after organisers asked the institution to leave the high-profile event.

The row erupted after allegations surfaced that the university had presented a China-made Unitree robodog as its own invention during the AI expo in Delhi. The incident triggered widespread criticism both online and offline.

According to sources, authorities directed Galgotias University to vacate its expo stall following the controversy. Shortly after, staff and students were seen clearing the pavilion, and electricity to the stall was reportedly disconnected.

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.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/j5rOrSWfF0 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 18, 2026

Amid the backlash, Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur issued a clarification, stating that the confusion arose from the use of the words “develop” and “development.”

Speaking to ANI, Gaur said, “This is a jumble of two words, develop, and development. We didn't develop it. We worked on its development... We want to bring them, just like that robot was brought, and an effort was made to get students to do research on it.”

Addressing a viral video in which Professor Neha Singh introduced the RoboDog as “Orion” at the expo, Gaur suggested there may have been a misunderstanding in how it was described. He reiterated that the robot was purchased to support student research activities.

“I can say that perhaps she (Professor Neha) might have been confused by the words ‘develop’ and ‘development’ in the flow. But the truth is that we bought this robot for children's research... If China is making the claim, then maybe it (robodog) could be bought from China... I haven't received any such official communication yet (on vacating the expo),” Gaur said.

Professor Neha Singh, who appeared in the viral video explaining the RoboDog, also denied that the university had claimed it as its own creation.

“We have never claimed that it is ours, Indian, or Galgotian. Its main branding is still on it. The robot that had come for a particular task has gone there for the children's study, for the children's research and development. Our center, our campus -- it has gone into the children's lab. It was here for two days for projection; the projection has been completed,” she told ANI.

Responding to the online backlash, Singh attributed the controversy to a possible misinterpretation of her remarks.

“By one misinterpretation, the internet has gone by storm. It might be that I could not convey well what I wanted to say, or it was misunderstood. I am a faculty member in communications at the School of Management, not in AI. Only you (the media) have heard what the government has said. As far as I know, we are here at the expo. As a university, we are standing tall. The robot was brought here only for projection,” she said.

Earlier, amid growing criticism, the university released an official statement expressing concern over what it described as a “propaganda campaign” against the institution.

“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 university added that its focus remains on student learning and innovation.

“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,” it said.

The episode has sparked a broader debate on academic transparency, innovation claims and the use of globally sourced technology in Indian institutions.