An artificial intelligence showcase meant to highlight India’s technological ambitions has instead triggered a controversy.

Galgotias University faced online backlash after a robotic dog displayed at a national AI summit was identified as a Chinese-made product.

The university has now clarified that it never claimed the robot as its own invention.

The controversy unfolded during the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, where representatives from the university presented a quadruped robotic dog as part of their AI ecosystem.

During the presentation, Professor Neha Singh introduced the robot while discussing its potential uses, including surveillance and campus applications. The demonstration was intended to showcase the institution’s technological capabilities.

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However, social media users quickly identified the robot as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available model manufactured by China-based Unitree Robotics.

Social media uproar and allegations

Soon after the video surfaced online, users accused the university of misrepresentation and plagiarism. Critics claimed the robotic dog is a mass-produced product sold globally and available at a fraction of the alleged ₹350 crore AI ecosystem investment highlighted at the event.

The backlash intensified, with many questioning transparency and the credibility of innovation claims made at the summit. Some critics, including members of India’s opposition parties, described the episode as an international embarrassment that overshadowed the summit’s purpose of projecting India’s AI progress.

University’s response

Amid mounting criticism, Galgotias University denied ever claiming the robot as an in-house creation. The institution stated it did not assert ownership of the technology and rejected allegations of plagiarism.

The clarification came as discussions continued online about the broader implications for India’s AI ambitions and the importance of maintaining credibility at global technology forums.

The incident has sparked debate beyond a single demonstration. Observers say the episode highlights the need for greater transparency when showcasing technological capabilities, especially at flagship national events.

With AI emerging as a strategic sector, scrutiny over claims of innovation is expected to remain high.