Controversy at India AI Impact Summit 2026
The episode unfolded during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
In a viral video from the event, Neha Singh, representing Galgotias University, introduced a robotic dog named “Orion.” She stated that the machine had been developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence and highlighted its capabilities in surveillance and campus monitoring, adding that it could move autonomously across the premises.
However, social media users soon alleged that the robotic dog was not an in-house innovation but a product sourced from Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics. The claims quickly gained traction online, triggering widespread criticism and raising questions about whether the university had misrepresented the product as its own creation.
University’s Response and Exit
Amid mounting backlash, Galgotias University issued multiple clarifications. In its latest statement, the institution apologised for the “confusion” created at the summit and attributed the incident to an “ill-informed” representative.
“She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and in her enthusiasm of being on camera, gave factually incorrect information even though she was not authorised to speak to the press,” the university said, referring to Singh.
The university also confirmed that it had vacated its stall at the expo following directions from the organisers, amid reports that the incident had caused “national embarrassment.”
Has Neha Singh Been Fired?
Despite the speculation, there has been no official confirmation from Galgotias University that Neha Singh has been terminated or asked to resign.
The rumours appear to have stemmed solely from her LinkedIn profile update indicating she is “open to work.” However, neither Singh nor the university has publicly announced any change in her employment status. A LinkedIn status update, by itself, does not confirm termination.
According to her profile, Singh joined Galgotias University in November 2023 as a faculty member in Communications at the School of Management. Prior to this, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Sharda University and served as a Verbal Ability mentor at Career Launcher. She also previously held a position at GITAM. Singh completed her MBA from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in 2006 and earned a B.Com degree from University of Allahabad.
Professor Responds, Takes ‘Accountability’
Responding to the controversy, Neha Singh maintained that it was never her intention to present the robotic dog as an indigenously developed product.
“The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly,” she said.
“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.”
She also described the issue as one of perspective, remarking, “Your six, my nine… it’s about perspective.”
As of now, the controversy continues to spark debate online, while official clarity on Singh’s employment status remains awaited.
