India Removes Private University from AI Summit Amidst Robot Dog Dispute

NEW DELHI – An unfortunate incident unfolded at a prestigious artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi on Wednesday, resulting in the ejection of a private Indian university. The expulsion occurred after a university staff member presented a Chinese-manufactured robotic dog, claiming it was an original innovation from their institution.

The controversy centered around Galgotias University, which had to dismantle its exhibition stand a day after a significant misstep. Neha Singh, a professor of communications at the university, had told the state-run broadcaster DD News that the robotic dog, named Orion, was a creation of their Centre of Excellence. Yet, her claim was quickly challenged by astute internet users.

The online community swiftly identified the so-called Orion as actually being the Unitree Go2, a product from China’s Unitree Robotics. Known for its utility in research and education, this robotic dog is readily available for purchase, starting at $1,600.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Singh clarified her remarks, stating she never specifically asserted that the robotic dog was an original creation of the university, but rather meant it as a demonstration piece.

This episode proved to be a source of embarrassment for India, acting as the summit’s host nation. Two government officials, who opted to remain anonymous due to restrictions on speaking to the press, expressed their dismay over the incident.

However, a statement from Galgotias said the university was “deeply pained” and described the incident as a “propaganda campaign” that could spread negativity and harm the morale of students working to innovate, learn and build their skills using global technologies.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the university had removed its booth from the summit.

Still, the episode underscores the high stakes for India as it tries to cast itself as a global hub for AI and advanced manufacturing, drawing billions of dollars in investments while stressing credibility and local innovation.

The summit kicked off on Monday with some organizational hiccups as attendees and exhibitors reported long queues and delays at the venue. Several exhibitors took to social media to complain that their personal belonging and products on display were stolen. Organizers later said the items were recovered and returned.

The India AI Impact Summit, billed as a flagship event in the Global South, is attended by at least 20 heads of state and governments, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a session Thursday.

Also expected to attend are Google’s Chief Executive Sundar Pichai, Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft’s President Brad Smith and AMI Labs Executive Chairman Yann LeCun.