Fake Chinese robodog display sparks massive political tech outrage

Galgotias University recently faced severe backlash at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Representatives presented a commercially available Chinese robot dog as an original, in-house creation named Orion. Sharp-eyed visitors quickly noticed the machine's striking resemblance to the Unitree Go2 model. This discovery instantly triggered the Galgotias University robot controversy across social media.

Following intense public scrutiny, event organisers cut power to the university’s booth at Bharat Mandapam. Authorities firmly asked the exhibiting team to leave the premises immediately. S Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, clarified the government's stance on this fake AI robot display. He stated that while the summit serves as an exhibition rather than a certification platform, authorities absolutely cannot encourage misinformation. This indirect MeitY plagiarism warning served as a strict reminder that displays must reflect genuine work.

This Chinese robot dog incident quickly escalated into a massive political firestorm. Opposition leaders fiercely criticised both the educational institution and the ruling government. Several politicians highlighted the university's alleged ties to prominent political figures and questioned the IT Minister's silence. Members of Parliament called the entire episode shameful, pointing out that state-run television had even broadcast promotional features praising the rebranded machine. Opposition voices demanded strict penalties for tarnishing the reputation of Indian tech news platforms and the national summit.

Facing mounting pressure, Galgotias University issued a formal public apology. Officials blamed a pavilion staff member for spreading false claims. They stated the enthusiastic representative was ill-informed about the technical origins of the product and lacked proper authorisation to speak with the media. The institution strongly denied any deliberate intent to misrepresent the innovation, reaffirming its commitment to academic integrity.

For readers tracking tech news Odisha and nationwide, this event highlights the crucial need for strict transparency in public technology showcases. As the country pushes for digital advancement, maintaining absolute authenticity remains vital for protecting global credibility.

With Agency Inputs and Image Source: The Tribune