Galgotias University Robodog Controversy Explained: Why Vir Das’ Reaction Is Trending
Galgotias University is facing backlash after a Chinese-made robodog was allegedly showcased as its own at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Vir Das has now reacted to the Galgotias University robodog controversy.
Galgotias University has landed in controversy after being accused of presenting a Chinese-made robodog as its own innovation at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The backlash intensified online, and amid the growing uproar, reports emerged that the university was asked to vacate its pavilion and exit the summit. Actor-comedian Vir Das has now weighed in on the incident with his trademark wit and satire.
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Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Vir Das wrote, “Nothing is REALLY original when you think about it. Humans are creations themselves, interacting and bursting into new forms that are derivative, all made by the great Galgotia University in the sky.”
Nothing is REALLY original when you think about it. Humans are creations themselves interacting and bursting into new forms that are derivative, all made by the great Galgotia University in the sky.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) February 18, 2026
In a follow-up post, he shared a picture of a dog and added, “Gonna use this opportunity to encourage everyone to adopt an indie dog. They are wonderful. This is stoopee. Just told him he wasn’t made by Galgotia University.”
Gonna use this opportunity to encourage everyone to adopt an indie dog. They are wonderful. This is stoopee. Just told him he wasn’t made by Galgotia University. pic.twitter.com/wezYDygHCl
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) February 18, 2026
The controversy erupted after a video from the summit went viral. In the clip, Professor Neha Singh was seen introducing a robot dog named “Orion,” describing it as a product developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence. She explained that the quadruped robot was capable of surveillance and monitoring tasks and could move freely across the campus.
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However, social media users were quick to identify the device as a commercially available quadruped robot manufactured by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics. The claims sparked widespread criticism, prompting the university to issue a clarification.
In its official statement, the Greater Noida-based institution maintained that its faculty had never claimed to have manufactured the robodog. The university clarified that the device had been purchased from Unitree Robotics as part of its broader AI investment initiatives.
Dr Aishwarya Shrivastava, another professor present at the summit, reiterated this stance in a statement to news agency ANI. She said the situation had been “misinterpreted in a big way,” adding, “We never claimed that we manufactured it (robodog), it was only a part of our AI investment.” She also stated that the university had not attempted to conceal the Chinese company’s logo on the device.
Meanwhile, sources told HT that Galgotias University had been asked to dismantle its pavilion and leave the Impact AI Summit following the controversy. The university, however, has denied receiving any such direction from the organisers or the ministry.
