After Chinese robodog row, Galgotias University’s ‘AI plane’ made of thermocol goes viral, netizens mock it can destroy Pakistan

A fresh controversy has hit Galgotias University at the India AI Impact Summit, where it was asked to vacate its stall after a robotic dog display sparked backlash, even as a thermocol ‘AI plane’ model left behind at the venue went viral and drew widespread online mockery.

Thermocol ‘AI plane’ becomes viral prop

Even as the robot dog row dominated headlines, Galgotias drew fresh attention when a thermocol drone model left behind at the vacated stall was filmed and shared widely online. Visitors began using the model as a prop for reels, turning it into a viral talking point.

In its statement, the Greater Noida-based university said robotic programming is part of its effort to help students learn AI and develop real-world skills using globally available tools and resources.


It said its faculty and students were “deeply pained by the propaganda campaign” and maintained that its focus remains on student learning, innovation and providing access to modern technology.

Galgotias University vacates stall after robot dog controversy

The row began when a robotic dog named Orion was showcased at the university’s stall and presented as a creation of its Centre of Excellence. Soon after, social media users pointed out that the device resembled the Unitree Go2 robot made by China’s Unitree Robotics, commonly used worldwide for research and education.

As the issue escalated, organisers stepped in and cut power supply to the stall. IT Secretary S Krishnan said the government does not want exhibitors to showcase products that are not their own.

“We do not want such exhibits to continue,” he said, after organisers asked the university to vacate the stall.

University apologises, cites ‘ill-informed’ staff

Facing mounting criticism, the university issued an apology, attributing the confusion to a representative at the pavilion.

“We wish to apologise for the confusion created at the recent AI summit. One of our representatives manning the pavilion was ill-informed,” a university spokesperson said.

“She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and, in her enthusiasm for being on camera, gave factually incorrect information even though she was not authorised to speak to the press. There was no institutional intent to misrepresent the innovation,” the spokesperson added.

The university said it vacated the premises “understanding the organiser's sentiment” and reiterated its commitment to transparency and academic integrity.

Professor’s remarks trigger wider debate

The controversy intensified after Neha Singh, a communications professor, told DD News that the robot “has been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University”.

As criticism grew, Singh clarified her remarks. “The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly and the intent may not have been properly understood,” she said.

“Your six can be my nine. Maybe what I wanted to say I was not able to say because of the scarcity of time, or the noise around us,” she added.

“Regarding the robot dog, we cannot claim that we manufactured it. I have told everyone that we introduced it to our students to inspire them to create something better on their own. Our university contributes to building future leaders by providing cutting-edge technologies in the field of AI, and it will continue to do so.”

Government says innovation welcome, misrepresentation not

Officials said the government supports innovation but not misleading displays.

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said the intention is not to stifle innovation but it should not be misleading and the controversy “should not overshadow the kind of effort that the others have put in”.

Krishnan added that misrepresentation would not be tolerated. “If you mislead... we do not want a controversy (and) so we do not want a controversial agency... whom people believe are exhibiting something which is not theirs,” he said.

The twin episodes, the robotic dog confusion and the thermocol plane going viral, show how quickly perception can shift at high-profile technology events. The controversy has reinforced a simple message from organisers: showcasing global tools is fine, but presenting them accurately is essential to maintaining credibility.