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Controversy erupts at Delhi AI summit over robotic dog claim
An Indian university has sparked outrage after a professor presented a commercially available Chinese-made robot as its own creation during the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi.
University denies fabrication amid viral video
Galgotias University found itself at the center of the storm after a video surfaced of Professor Neha Singh telling state broadcaster DD News that the robotic dog, named "Orion," was "developed" at the university's Centre of Excellence. The clip quickly spread across social media.
Online sleuths soon identified the machine as the Go2 model manufactured by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics, which retails for approximately 200,000 rupees ($2,200; £1,600).
University issues clarification, professor apologizes
In a statement released Wednesday, Galgotias University denied claiming ownership of the robot's hardware, framing the incident as a "propaganda campaign."
"We would like to clearly state that the robotic programming is part of our endeavour to make students learn AI programming and develop and deploy real-world skills using globally available tools and resources, given developing AI talent is the need of the hour."
Galgotias University statement
Professor Singh later told reporters her comments had been misinterpreted. "It might be that I could not convey well what I wanted to say, or you could not understand well what I wanted to say," she said.
Backlash leads to stall shutdown
Critics on social media accused the university of misleading attendees. Reports indicated that organizers asked Galgotias University to dismantle its exhibition stall following the controversy, though faculty members said they received no formal notice.
By Wednesday evening, however, the Press Trust of India reported that electricity to the stall had been cut off. A BBC correspondent at the summit confirmed the booth's lights were turned off and no university staff were present.
Organizers seek to contain fallout
The incident has cast a shadow over the summit, particularly after the video was shared on IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's official X account-since deleted. India's IT Secretary, S Krishnan, urged observers not to let the controversy "overshadow" the event's broader goals.
"What happened should not affect the way people present or exhibit their work at such events. The idea is not to use an opportunity like this to become something else or create unnecessary noise. It is essential that a proper code of conduct is followed."
S Krishnan, IT Secretary
Summit aims to position India as AI leader
The five-day India AI Impact Summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam on Monday, is billed as a flagship event to establish India as a global AI hub. Over 100 countries are represented, with delegates including heads of state and industry leaders like Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
The agenda includes policy discussions, startup showcases, and closed-door meetings on AI governance, infrastructure, and innovation. However, the summit's opening day was marred by logistical issues, including overcrowding and long queues, prompting organizers to extend exhibition hours and tighten entry protocols.
By the third day, BBC correspondent Vikas Pandey reported the venue was "absolutely buzzing," with thousands of visitors engaging with exhibits. Officials expressed hope that the event would accelerate AI adoption across India.
