‘Don’t display items…': Govt's stern warning amid robodog row involving Galgotias University

Galgotias University

• Galgotias University accused of misrepresenting a Chinese robodog
• Govt warns exhibitors not to display items that aren't theirs
• University blames professor for misinformation at AI summit

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Against the backdrop of the ongoing controversy surrounding Galgotias University’s AI robodog display at the AI Impact Summit 2026, the government on Wednesday issued a clear message saying that the exhibitors must not display items that are not theirs.

“Exhibitors must not display items that are not theirs,” IT Secretary S Krishnan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

The varsity landed in trouble on Tuesday as it was accused of presenting a Chinese Unitree robodog as their own innovation at the AI Impact Summit 2026. As video of the university's stall at the Summit was shared on social media, several viewers pointed out the discrepancy.

After a while, the Chinese company reportedly stated that the robotic dog was indeed its product, which intensified the controversy online, and the university was highly criticised.

After a thorough check and scrutiny, the power supply to the university’s pavilion was shut, and the institution was asked to vacate the stall instantly, as per the reports.

In response to allegations and criticism, Galgotias University issued a clarification on social media. It stated that the faculty and students were hurt by what they described as a ‘propaganda campaign’.

In its latest statement, the varsity blamed Professor Neha Singh, their representative at the summit, for the confusion. The university said their representative was ‘ill-informed’ and that in her ‘enthusiasm of being on camera’, she gave factually incorrect information. It further said that Neha was not authorised to speak to the press.

The university said that robotics programming is part of its academic curriculum and that students are actively learning AI programming and deploying real-world technical skills. It maintained that its participation at the summit was focused on academic and technological exposure.

IT Secretary S Krishnan strongly emphasised that the controversies should not overshadow the genuine and innovative work that is being showcased by several startups and institutions at the summit. AI Impact Summit 2026 holds a strong code of conduct, and he ensured that only the original and transparent technology will be showcased in the AI ecosystem.