Tue Mar 17, 2026 | Updated 03:51 PM IST
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Who Is Neha Singh? Galgotias University Professor at Centre of China-Made Robot Controversy

Who is Neha Singh? The Galgotias University professor at the centre of the China-made Robot Dog controversy at the India AI Impact Summit. Here’s a full timeline of what happened, what she said, and how the university responded.
Amit Diwan
Editorial
Updated:- 2026-02-18, 16:07 IST
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Galgotias University is at the centre of an unexpected controversy after a robot dog showcased at the India AI Impact Summit, held in New Delhi, generated strong responses online. Professor Singh, who featured in a widely-circulated video introducing the machine as 'Orion', is at the centre of the debate.

Here is a timeline of the entire episode, from its showcase at the summit to the backlash and the clarifications made by those involved.

Galgotias University Controversy Chinese Dogs AI Impact Summit

The controversy erupted after Galgotias University displayed a robot dog named 'Orion' at the India AI Impact Summit. A video, which quickly went viral, showed a university representative explaining the robot dog's features. Another clip featured a professor who claimed that Galgotias University's Centre of Excellence designed the robot dog.

However, online users immediately identified the robot as an imported 'Unitree Go2,' which people can buy on several Indian online platforms for ₹2-3 lakh approximately. As people shared the clips, social media users started asking why the university presented a purchased product as its own developed technology.

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Galgotias University Chinese AI Dog Controversy

The online community immediately responded. Several users pointed out that the robot, named 'Orion', matched the design and specifications of a 'Unitree Go2'. Soon after, Galgotias University had to pack up its expo stall at the India AI Impact Summit. The Greater Noida-based institution faced widespread criticism as its videos went viral across social media.

The primary criticism against the university's Centre of Excellence stemmed from its alleged claim that it had built the robot dog, even though a commercial product was available.

Professor Neha Singh’s Statement on Chinese AI Dog?

Speaking about the incident, Professor Neha Singh stated that the misunderstanding may have resulted from ‘unclear communication’. "I take accountability that perhaps I did not communicate it properly, as it was done with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and very quickly, so I may not have come across as eloquently as I usually do. Also, the intent may not have been properly understood. One important point is regarding the robot dog-we cannot claim that we manufactured it. I have told everyone that we introduced it to our students to inspire them to create something better on their own. Our university contributes to building future leaders by providing cutting-edge technologies in the field of AI, and it will continue to do so," she told PTI.

Galgotias University on Chinese AI Dog?

The Galgotias University released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying that the robot dog was brought in from Unitree and was used only for educational purposes. "The recently acquired robodog from Unitree is one such step in that journey," the statement said. "It is not merely a machine on display; it is a classroom in motion. Our students are experimenting with it, testing its limits and, in the process, expanding their own knowledge. Let us be clear: Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we ever claimed to. But what we are building are minds that will soon design, engineer, and manufacture such technologies right here in Bharat."

Who Is Neha Singh? Galgotias University Professor

Neha Singh works as a faculty member in communications at Galgotias University's School of Management. She does not belong to the engineering faculty of the institution. Singh joined Galgotias University in August 2023. She has previously taught at Presidency University in Bangalore and at COER Roorkee.

She completed her PhD from BITS Pilani's Hyderabad Campus in 2020, with a specialisation in computational geometry and mesh generation. She also holds an MTech degree in Computer Science from ABV-IIITM Gwalior. 

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This particular incident catapulted her into the spotlight, but the professor explained that a misunderstanding created the issue. She and others failed to clearly communicate their intentions during the summit's high-energy and swift introduction.

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Image Courtesy: X (Twitter)

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