Galgotias University Removed From AI Expo for Showcasing Chinese Robot as Own Innovation
Galgotias’ robot sparks row: Netizens identify it as a $2,800 Unitree Go2 from China, a common research model, rather than a unique innovation.
By : Madhusudan Sahoo
Update: 2026-02-18 12:49 GMT
New Delhi: Greater Noida-based Galgotias University was asked to vacate its stall at the AI Expo on Wednesday after allegedly showcasing a Chinese-made robot as its own innovation, government sources said.
The action followed controversy over the display of a robotic dog identified on social media as the Unitree Go2, manufactured by China’s Unitree Robotics and priced at about $2,800. Users claimed the machine was not an in-house development of the university.
IT secretary S. Krishnan said the government would not permit exhibitors to present items that were not their own creations. “We do not want such exhibits to continue,” he said, adding that misrepresentation of exhibits as original innovations would not be tolerated.
Sources said the organisers directed the university to vacate the exhibition space after the controversy escalated. By Wednesday, the university’s stall reportedly had no display.
The issue gained traction after Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video clip of the robotic display on his official social media account. The post was later deleted.
In a statement, the university said the robotic programming exercise was aimed at imparting hands-on AI skills using globally available tools and platforms. “Our faculty and students are deeply distressed by the propaganda campaign against the institution. Our focus remains firmly on student learning and innovation, ensuring access to modern technologies that provide practical exposure and prepare them for the future.Spreading negativity undermines the morale of students who are striving to innovate, learn and build their skills using global technologies,” it said.
Professor Neha Singh of the university said there was no claim that the robot had been manufactured in-house. “Regarding the robot dog, we have never claimed that it was manufactured by us. It was introduced to students as a learning tool to inspire them to design and build more advanced innovations on their own. Our university remains committed to nurturing future leaders by providing access to cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence and will continue to do so,” she said.
On reports that the government had asked the university to vacate the expo area, she said she had no information about it. “What I know is that today we are all present here,” she said.