Galgotias apologises over robodog row, blames ‘ill-informed’ representative for AI summit controversy

The Greater Noida-based institution said the controversy stemmed from comments made by its Head of Communications, Neha Singh, whom it described as “ill-informed” and unauthorised to interact with the media.

In its latest press release dated February 18, the university sought to distance itself from the claims that triggered the backlash, arguing that incorrect information was shared due to Singh’s “enthusiasm of being on camera.”

University blames ‘enthusiasm’ for incorrect claims

Galgotias acknowledged that factually incorrect statements were made at its pavilion during the ongoing India AI Impact Summit.

Galgotias University issues statement, February 18, 2026

According to the university, the representative present was unaware of the technical origins of the robotic dog and should not have addressed press queries.

“We wish to apologise profusely for the confusion created,” the statement said, adding that there was no institutional intent to misrepresent the product showcased at the event.

Viral video triggers robodog backlash

The controversy erupted after a video circulated widely on social media showing Neha Singh allegedly presenting a robotic dog as a Galgotias-developed innovation.

The robot was identified by users as the Unitree Go2, an AI-powered robodog manufactured by Chinese firm Unitree and available online for around USD 2,800, or roughly ₹2.3 lakh.

Online critics accused the university of passing off an imported product as an indigenous creation, raising questions about academic credibility and transparency.

Photo: Facebook/@GalgotiasUniversity

Earlier denial says robot was only a teaching tool

In an earlier statement posted on X, Galgotias had already denied building the robodog.

The university clarified that the device was procured from Unitree and was intended strictly for academic use.

Calling the robodog “a classroom in motion,” the institution said students were experimenting with the machine to understand robotics and artificial intelligence.

It stressed that it had never claimed to have developed the robot internally.

Exit from AI summit adds to controversy

Government sources indicated that Galgotias was asked to leave the AI Summit immediately after the row escalated.

The university, however, disputed this account, maintaining that it received no formal directive from authorities.

In its latest clarification, Galgotias said it vacated the venue voluntarily, citing the sentiments of the event organisers.

The move, instead of settling the issue, added another layer of scrutiny to the episode.

Community note challenges university’s version

The apology itself drew further attention after an X community note challenged Galgotias’s denial.

The note alleged that the robot had been named “Orion” and was explicitly presented as a product developed by the university’s team, calling the official clarification “incorrect and misleading.”

As debate continues online, the university has reiterated that there was no deliberate attempt to misrepresent the robodog as an in-house innovation.