Galgotias Robotics Controversy Sparks Political Heat in UP Assembly

Galgotias Robotics Controversy Sparks Political Heat in UP Assembly

Last Updated Feb - 20 - 2026, 10:42 AM | Source : Fela News | Visitors : 6

Samajwadi Party MLAs demand probe into China-made robodog display row tied to Galgotias University.

A controversy surrounding Galgotias University has escalated all the way to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, as opposition lawmakers pushed for a probe into how a robot dog was showcased as a university innovation at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi. The issue has now become a political talking point, highlighting tensions over accountability and transparency in technology related events.

The row began when a representative of Galgotias University showcased a robotic dog named Orion at a high profile government backed technology summit. In interviews and promotional material, the robot was presented as having been developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence. Social media users and technology enthusiasts quickly identified the device as a Unitree Go2, a commercially available Chinese manufactured robotic quadruped that is widely used for research and educational purposes worldwide.

As criticism mounted, summit organisers reportedly asked Galgotias University to vacate its exhibition stall and remove the display, citing concerns about possible misrepresentation. The incident highlighted rising sensitivities over authenticity of technological showcases at major events. Many people questioned how such a claim was allowed to be presented without proper verification, and it created quite a debate online.

Back home in Lucknow, members of the Samajwadi Party raised the issue during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly’s Zero Hour session, demanding a thorough inquiry. They asserted that the controversy brought disrepute to both the state and the nation. Party legislators argued that because the university is based in Greater Noida, its actions reflected poorly on Uttar Pradesh’s educational ecosystem. They pressed for a government statement or formal discussion in the legislature.

However, the Speaker of the Assembly rejected the initial demand to formally discuss the matter, saying it did not fall within the state government’s jurisdiction since the AI Impact Summit was organised by the central government and held in Delhi. Despite this decision, some members continued to raise concerns through other parliamentary procedures.

In the middle of the dispute, Galgotias University issued a public apology acknowledging that a representative described as ill informed and not authorised to speak to the press had made inaccurate claims about the robot’s origin. The university clarified it did not intend to mislead anyone and said the mistake was unintentional.

The controversy has now become a wider discussion about ethical conduct, accurate communication in technology showcases and the responsibility of academic institutions. It has stirred political reactions, drawn social media scrutiny and raised serious questions about how future technology exhibitions should be managed in India’s fast growing innovation ecosystem.

Share :