Galgotias University grabbed headlines at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi for showcasing its ‘Orion robot’ – a sleek robodog meant to wow visitors with AI prowess. But the excitement turned to outrage when social media sleuths revealed it was no indigenous innovation. Instead, Orion is a Chinese-made Unitree Robotics model, available for purchase online.
Summit Spotlight Turns Sour
At the event held at Bharat Mandapam, Professor Neha Singh from Galgotias’ Centre of Excellence introduced Orion as the “Operational Robotic Intelligence Node.” She highlighted its surveillance skills and free-roaming campus demos, linking it to the university’s massive Rs 350 crore AI ecosystem investment. Viral videos of the quad-legged bot navigating crowds fueled initial praise. However, eagle-eyed viewers spotted Unitree branding, sparking accusations of passing off imported tech as “Made in India.”
Chinese Origins Confirmed
Orion closely resembles Unitree’s popular Go1 or Go2 series – agile robodogs excelling in AI navigation, obstacle avoidance, and real-world tasks like patrolling. These aren’t rare; they’re sold globally via Unitree’s site and Indian resellers like Mavdrones and Robu.in. Prices start at $2,700 USD for basics, climbing to Rs 1.6 million for pro/edu versions with controllers. No signs of Galgotias customizing it beyond a nameplate.
University’s Quick U-Turn
Facing online backlash, Galgotias clarified: the robodog was bought for academic demos to inspire students, not claimed as their creation. They stressed their focus on NVIDIA labs and true R&D, denying any intent to mislead. Critics argue the initial pitch contradicted this, especially amid India’s push for self-reliance in tech. The episode highlights tensions between global imports and homegrown ambitions in AI.
This robodog row underscores the need for transparency in tech showcases. As India ramps up AI investments, will universities prioritize authenticity over flash?
