Galgotias University has clarified that Professor Neha Singh has not been suspended following the controversy surrounding a robotic dog displayed at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The institution said she has been asked to continue in her role while an internal inquiry examines how the incident unfolded.
The clarification comes after days of online speculation over Singh’s professional status in the wake of criticism directed at the university’s exhibition stall at the summit.
The controversy began after a video circulated on social media showing Professor Singh presenting a robotic dog named “Orion” at the university’s stall. The model was described as a product of the university’s Centre of Excellence.
However, several social media users identified the robot as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available quadruped robot manufactured by China-based Unitree Robotics, rather than an indigenous development.
The India AI Impact Summit, backed by the government, is designed to highlight emerging artificial intelligence innovations from India and the Global South. The display quickly drew criticism from technology commentators and public figures, with some stressing that misrepresentation at high-profile platforms could damage institutional credibility.
Responding to the uproar, Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur said the institution had already submitted its explanation to authorities and admitted that the presentation was a mistake.
The university vacated its stall at the summit expo after the backlash and issued an apology for the embarrassment caused.
“We never want the image of the university or the country to be ruined,” Gaur said, adding that there was no intention to mislead.
The university described the episode as the result of an “ill-informed representative” rather than deliberate institutional misrepresentation. It said the robotic model had been displayed to give students exposure to advanced robotics technology, not to falsely claim original research.
Addressing rumours about disciplinary action, the registrar stated that Professor Neha Singh has not been suspended. Instead, she has been instructed to stay with the institution while the internal review proceeds.
He added that while appropriate disciplinary steps would be taken if required, the actions of one individual should not be seen as representative of the entire university.
“They are also citizens of India, and we all want our country to move forward,” Gaur said, emphasising that larger institutional values and national credibility are at stake.
The incident has sparked discussion within academic and technology communities about ethical representation at international platforms, particularly as India positions itself as a major player in the global AI ecosystem.
Galgotias University has said it will conduct a thorough internal investigation to determine how the error occurred and to ensure similar lapses are not repeated.
For now, the institution maintains that the matter is under review, even as the debate continues over standards of transparency and accountability in India’s rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Also Read: India’s ‘AI Impact Summit’ Promises Little More Than Spectacle https://www.vibesofindia.com/indias-ai-impact-summit-promises-little-more-than-spectacle/
