Galgotias University Robodog Row | Was the ‘Orion’ Robot Really a Chinese Import?

The Galgotias University Robodog row has become the biggest talking point of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. What was meant to be a showcase of indigenous innovation at Bharat Mandapam quickly turned into a national embarrassment, leading to the university being asked to vacate its pavilion. The central question remains: Was the robotic dog truly an in-house creation, or a rebranded Chinese product?

The Viral Spark: Neha Singh and the ‘Orion’ Claim

The Galgotias University Robodog row began when a video from state broadcaster DD News went viral on February 17, 2026. In the clip, Professor Neha Singh, representing the university’s Centre of Excellence, introduced a quadruped robot named “Orion.” She explicitly stated, “Orion has been developed by the Centre of Excellence at Galgotias University,” while highlighting its surveillance and autonomous monitoring capabilities. However, eagle-eyed netizens on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit quickly identified the machine as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available robot manufactured by China-based Unitree Robotics.

Fact Check: Is Orion the Unitree Go2?

During the height of the Galgotias University Robodog row, technical enthusiasts pointed out several “smoking guns” that suggested the robot was a Chinese import:

1. Visual Identity: The hardware design, sensor placement, and movement patterns were identical to the Unitree Go2, which retails for approximately $1,600 (₹1.3 Lakh).
2. Visible Branding: Observers at the summit noted that the original Unitree branding was still visible on certain parts of the chassis, despite being referred to as “Orion.”
3. Community Notes: Even the university’s official clarification on social media was flagged by X Community Notes, stating that the claim of “not presenting it as their own” was factually incorrect based on the recorded media interactions.

The Aftermath: Empty Stalls and Official Apologies

The fallout from the Galgotias University Robodog row was swift. On February 18, 2026, government authorities reportedly asked the university to vacate its stall. Witnesses claimed the power supply to the pavilion was cut off before the team left Bharat Mandapam.

The University’s Response

In a formal apology issued late on February 18, the university blamed “ill-informed” communication. They stated:

“One of our representatives was not aware of the technical origins and, in her enthusiasm of being on camera, gave factually incorrect information. Galgotias has not built this robodog; it was acquired from Unitree as a learning tool for our students.”

Why the Galgotias University Robodog Row Matters

This controversy touches on a deeper issue in the Indian tech ecosystem: the pressure to “rebrand” imported technology as indigenous innovation. While the university maintains that the robot was a “classroom in motion” for students, its presentation at a global summit attended by leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Sundar Pichai has raised questions about the vetting process for exhibitors at national expos.

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