Who is Neha Singh, Galgotias University Professor seen introducing Chinese RoboDog as 'Orion' at the Delhi AI Summit?

Galgotias University recently found itself in the spotlight after a robotic dog displayed at the Delhi AI Summit sparked a massive controversy. The university was reportedly asked to vacate its expo space following claims that the RoboDog showcased at the stall was Chinese-made. Neha Singh, a faculty member of the Galgotias University, has now found herself at the center of the controversy after Greater Noida based university in his apology stated that the representative at the event was “ill-informed” about the technical origins of the product being showcased. The University attributed the controversy to one of its professors, Neha Singh, and her “enthusiasm of being on camera”, adding that she was not aware of the technical background of the device.

Who is Neha Singh?

Neha Singh is the Head of Department- Communications at the School of Business at Galgotias University. Singh emerged as the public face of the initiative at the AI summit and is now under scrutiny. She is not part of the core technical teaching faculty, a point she clarified after the controversy erupted. Speaking to news agency PTI, Singh said she is a faculty member in Communications at the School of Management.

Neha Singh was seen in a viral video introducing the RoboDog as 'Orion' and explaining about it the AI expo. After the controversy erupted, Neha Singh claimed that she had never sought to present the RoboDog as the University's own.


"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," Professor Neha Singh told ANI.

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"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," Professor Neha Singh told reporters.

Before joining Galgotias University in November 2023, Neha Singh worked at Sharda University in Greater Noida as an Assistant Professor and also served as a Verbal Ability mentor at Career Launcher. Her LinkedIn profile now shows "open to work."

Before that, she held a position at GITAM. Singh completed her MBA from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in 2006 and earlier earned a B.Com degree from the University of Allahabad.

Neha Singh clarifies on controversy

Professor Neha Singh clarified that claiming the robodog as indigenously developed was not her intention. “The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly,” she said. “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.

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Neha Singh's LinkedIn Bio

Neha Singh's in her LinkedIn bio claims that she has the ability to connect, inspire, and elevate others through her command of language. “With a natural flair for language, articulation, and stage presence, I have spent years helping individuals unlock their voice and express themselves with clarity and impact. I believe the right words at the right time can truly change everything,” states Singh’s bio on LinkedIn.

How did the controversy start?

The controversy erupted after videos from the five-day event surfaced, showing representatives of Galgotias University showcasing the robotic dog as an innovation developed by its Centre of Excellence. The centre is led by Neha Singh, who represents the university in initiatives related to artificial intelligence and robotics.

“This is Orion. This has been developed by the Centre of Excellence at the Galgotias University,” Singh was heard saying in the clips. The clips went viral on social media, and the professor’s claims were debunked after users pointed out that the innovation was developed and commercially sold by a Chinese company, Unitree. It is commercially available for $2,800.

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Amid growing criticism, Galgotias University released an official clarification addressing the issue. The institution voiced concern over what it termed a “propaganda campaign” and emphasised that robotic programming demonstrations are part of its broader efforts to train students in artificial intelligence.

The university maintained that its objective is to nurture AI talent by allowing students to experiment with and deploy technologies that are already available globally. While the controversy continues to spark debate online, Singh has asserted that there was no attempt to misrepresent the robot’s origin, describing the initiative instead as an effort to inspire students through hands-on exposure to advanced AI tools.

(With TOI inputs)