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Galgotias University Expelled From India AI Summit After Imported Unitree Go2 Robot Misrepresented

Updated (2 articles)
  • Online users identified the machine as the Go2 model made by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics
    Online users identified the machine as the Go2 model made by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics
    Image: BBC
    Online users identified the machine as the Go2 model made by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics (Getty Images) Source Full size

Imported Unitree Go2 Displayed as Home‑Grown Orion On 18 February 2026, Galgotias University set up a stall at the India AI Impact Summit and showcased a robot dog it called “Orion.” The device was later identified as the Chinese‑made Unitree Go2, retailing around 200,000 rupees, and a video of the claim went viral online [1][2]. Following complaints, summit organisers cut power to the stall and asked the university to vacate, leaving the booth dark and unattended [1][2].

University Denies Invention, Labels Controversy Propaganda Galgotias issued a statement saying it never asserted that it built the robot, describing the unit as a “classroom in motion” for student experiments and part of a strategy to bring cutting‑edge tech from abroad [2]. Professor Neha Singh, who made the original remarks, said her comments were misunderstood and blamed the audience for the confusion [1]. The university also called the backlash a propaganda campaign aimed at discrediting its AI work [1][2].

Government Officials Emphasize Code of Conduct, Minimize Distraction IT Secretary S. Krishnan warned that misleading displays should not eclipse the summit’s purpose and urged a stricter code of conduct for exhibitors [1][2]. He urged participants to focus on substantive contributions rather than the controversy [1]. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five‑day event, which hosts delegates from over 100 countries, despite the early‑day disruptions [1].

Political Opposition and Media React, Footage Removed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the summit as a “laughing stock,” accusing the government of showcasing Chinese products and risking Indian data [2]. Doordarshan removed the summit footage featuring the robot after the incident gained public attention [2]. The viral video of the rebranded Unitree Go2 spurred widespread criticism and highlighted concerns over imported technology at a high‑profile AI forum [1][2].

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Timeline

Feb 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the five‑day India AI Impact Summit, welcoming delegates from over 100 countries and tech leaders such as Google’s Sundar Pichai, positioning the event as India’s flagship AI gathering. [1]

Early Feb 2026 – The first two days of the summit face overcrowding complaints, prompting organizers to adjust crowd‑control measures before the program proceeds. [1]

Feb 18, 2026 – Galgotias University professor Neha Singh tells DD News that the robot “Orion” was developed at the university’s Centre of Excellence, a claim that quickly goes viral online. [1]

Feb 18, 2026 – Observers identify the “Orion” robot as the Chinese‑made Unitree Go2, priced around 200,000 rupees, igniting backlash over the misrepresentation of imported technology. [1]

Feb 18, 2026 – Summit organizers expel Galgotias University’s exhibit, ordering the stall to be vacated after the imported robot is presented as a home‑grown creation. [2]

Feb 18, 2026 – Power to the university’s booth is cut and staff disappear, leaving the stall dark, as reported by PTI and witnessed by a BBC correspondent. [1]

Feb 18, 2026 – Galgotias University issues a statement denying any claim of building the robot, calling the criticism “propaganda” and describing the Unitree Go2 as a “classroom in motion” for student experimentation. [1][2]

Feb 18, 2026 – Professor Singh says her remarks were misunderstood, insisting the misunderstanding lies with the audience rather than her intent. [1]

Feb 18, 2026 – IT Secretary S. Krishnan warns against inauthentic behavior at the summit, stresses that the controversy must not eclipse other exhibitors, and calls for a proper code of conduct. [1][2]

Feb 18, 2026 – Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi brands the summit a “PR fiasco” and a “laughing stock,” accusing the government of showcasing Chinese products and jeopardising Indian data. [2]

Feb 18, 2026 – Doordarshan removes footage of the robot demonstration from its online platforms following the incident’s viral spread. [2]

Feb 18 – Feb 22, 2026 – Despite the uproar, IT Secretary Krishnan urges participants to focus on the summit’s substantive work and the contributions of other exhibitors, aiming to keep the event’s agenda on track. [1]

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