Galgotias University’s Chinese RoboDog ‘Orion’ sparks massive backlash at Delhi AI summit, ordered to vacate stall: Full controversy explained

Galgotias University, located in Greater Noida, is facing a massive uproar for reportedly presenting a Chinese robot dog as their own at the ongoing AI summit in Delhi. The controversy erupted after Galgotias University faced online backlash for showcasing a robotic dog labeled "Orion" at the AI Summit expo. Critics said that it was actually a Chinese-made Unitree G02 and not built by the varsity, news agency PTI reported. Claims surfaced online that the university had showcased the Unitree Go2 — an AI-powered Chinese robodog sold online for around Rs 2–3 lakh — under the name “Orion” at the summit.

Amid the controversy, Galgotias University has been asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo immediately, PTI reported citing sources. The display of the robotic dog raised questions about the origin and ownership of the technology showcased. Galgotias University faced huge backlash and accusations of misrepresenting imported tech as its own. Several users accused the institution of passing off imported technology as an indigenously developed product.

Galgotias University issues clarification

Galgotias University issued a clarification for reportedly displaying Chinese robodog at the AI Summit. The Greater Noida-based university said the robodog on display was procured from Unitree, a Chinese robotics firm, and was being used as a learning tool for students, reported India Today.


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"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 university said in a post on X.



"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," the statement added.

“The recently acquired robodog from Unitree is one such step in that journey. It is not merely a machine on display; it is a classroom in motion. Our students are experimenting with it, testing its limits and, in the process, expanding their own knowledge. Let us be clear: Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we ever claimed to,” the university said in a statement posted on X.



However, the Galgotias University's clarification was later challenged by an X Community Note, which stated that its claim of not presenting the robodog as its own creation was inaccurate and misleading. “They have named the robot ‘Orion’ and explicitly claimed it was developed by their team,” the note read.

In its statement, the university maintained that innovation and learning should not be limited by geographical boundaries, adding that it would continue sourcing the best technologies from across the world to provide students with practical, hands-on exposure.

“The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly. I take accountability that perhaps I did not communicate it properly, as it was done with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and very quickly, so I may not have come across as eloquently as I usually do. Also, the intent may not have been properly understood. One important point is 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," Professor Neha Singh of Galgotias University told PTI.

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How did the controversy start?

According to the India Today report, the row erupted after a video went viral showing a woman claiming that Galgotias University’s Centre of Excellence had developed a robotic dog named “Orion” while describing its features during a media interaction at an AI summit. The eagle-eyed netizens quickly picked up the clip, alleging that the university had passed off imported technology as an in-house innovation.

Addressing the backlash, the university said its objective was to keep students ahead of the technology curve. It stated that it regularly brings cutting-edge technologies to campus from global innovation hubs such as the US, China and Singapore to provide students with real-world exposure. “Innovation knows no borders. Learning should not either,” the university said, adding that its focus is on helping students study advanced technologies, question them, and improve upon them.



"Let us be clear - Galgotias has not built this robodog,neither have we claimed. But what we are building are minds that will soon design, engineer, and manufacture such technologies right here in Bharat. Innovation knows no borders. Learning should not either. We will continue to source the best technologies from across the world so our students can study them, challenge them, improve upon them—and ultimately create world-class solutions from India for the world," the university said.

The institution maintained that the initiative was not about merely importing technology but about driving transformation. It stressed that its broader aim is to empower young innovators to think bigger and build world-class solutions from India for the world.