- Galgotias University apologised for confusion caused by an ill-informed representative at AI Summit
- The university was asked to vacate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 over showcasing a Chinese-made robodog
- Galgotias clarified it did not build the robotic dog and used it as a learning tool for students
Galgotias University has issued an official apology after it was asked to exit the AI Impact Summit Expo following the row over display of a Chinese-made robodog on Wednesday. In its statement, the university blamed an "ill-informed" representative for spreading incorrect information.
"We at Galgotias University, wish to apologise profusely for the confusion created at the recent Al Summit. One of our representatives, manning the pavilion, was ill-informed. She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and in her enthusiasm of being on camera, gave factually incorrect information even though she was not authorised to speak to the press... Understanding the organisers sentiment we have vacated the premises," the university said in its statement.
The Greater Noida-based Univserity was asked to vacate its booth at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after it showcased a Chinese-made robotic dog as its own innovation.
Initially, the University had denied claims of ever saying that the Chinese robo-dog was its own invention.
In an official statement, the university had said, “Let us be clear. Galgotias has not built this robotic dog, nor have we claimed to do so. Our focus is on building young minds that will soon design, engineer and manufacture such technologies in India.”
The statement further clarified that the robotic dog was acquired from a global robotics company based in China and is being used purely as a learning and demonstration tool for students.
According to the university, the robot was part of its display to showcase how students are being exposed to emerging technologies in artificial intelligence and robotics.
The controversy began after a video from the summit went viral on social media. In the clip, representatives from Galgotias University are seen representing a robotic dog at their stall. The presenters are heard saying that the robotic dog regularly moves around their campus and can be used for various purposes, including surveillance. They also mention that the robot can take photographs from narrow spaces and areas that are difficult to access.
After the video circulated widely, several media outlets, including those covering Chinese and Eurasian affairs, questioned whether the university had presented the robot as an in-house innovation. Reports alleged that Galgotias University falsely projected the robotic dog as its own development as part of a Rs 350 crore-plus artificial intelligence investment showcase.
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