An Indian university, Galgotias University, was asked to remove its display from the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after a professor falsely presented a Chinese-made robotic dog as the university’s own invention. The incident sparked embarrassment for Indian officials as the nation seeks to establish itself as a global AI innovation hub.
The Misrepresentation
Nehan Singh, a communications professor at Galgotias University, publicly claimed that the robotic dog displayed at their booth was developed by the university. However, online users quickly identified the robot as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available model manufactured by China’s Unitree Robotics and sold for approximately $1,600.
Singh later admitted to unclear communication, stating that the presentation may not have been “eloquently” delivered due to excitement. She clarified that the university did not manufacture the robot but used it to inspire students to develop their own innovations.
Official Response and University Statement
Two government officials reportedly described the incident as embarrassing for India. Galgotias University issued a statement claiming that the representative manning the booth was “ill-informed” and unaware of the robot’s true origin. The university insists there was no deliberate attempt to misrepresent the technology.
The university also expressed being “deeply pained” by the incident, framing it as a potential “propaganda campaign” that could discourage student innovation.
Broader Context
The incident occurred during the inaugural India AI Impact Summit, which experienced initial logistical issues, including long queues and delays. This event is part of India’s broader effort to position itself as a leader in the global AI landscape. The false claim undermines these ambitions by raising questions about transparency and the authenticity of showcased innovations.
The incident highlights the challenges of balancing national pride with honest representation in a rapidly evolving technological sector. While the university’s intent may have been to inspire students, the misrepresentation ultimately damaged credibility and drew unwanted attention to India’s AI ambitions.
