Is Wipro's Status as a Software Company Justified Amid the Galgotias University Controversy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) A heated debate has emerged surrounding Noida's Galgotias University, which allegedly misrepresented a Chinese robotic dog as its own innovation, dubbed ‘Orion’, during the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’. Notably, IT giant Wipro also featured a Chinese robot dog at the event.
Sources within Wipro clarified that they are a “software company” and have “never claimed to be a hardware company”.
“Our situation is entirely distinct from that of Galgotias University,” sources stated on Wednesday, emphasizing that they do not possess a fully developed robot of their own.
During the Summit, a Wipro representative introduced an AI-driven robotic dog named ‘TJ’. The representative detailed the capabilities of this robotic dog, illustrating its potential to replace humans in performing hazardous and demanding tasks, particularly in scenarios involving disasters and emergencies.
The robot dog, known as Go2, was designed by the Chinese robotics company, Unitree.
In the midst of the ongoing controversy, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday that measures have been implemented in response to any misconduct observed at the AI Summit expo.
“Numerous impressive solutions have been showcased in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) exhibition. If any wrongdoing has occurred, immediate action has been executed against it. Nevertheless, it is important to also recognize the other commendable AI solutions presented,” Vaishnaw remarked to the press.
This statement from the Minister comes as discussions intensify regarding the Chinese robotic dog, ‘Orion’.
While the University attempted to downplay the situation as “exaggeration and misinterpretation” and insisted that its objectives are aligned with the government's mission and vision, the incident provided opposition parties with an opportunity to criticize the government.
According to top sources, Galgotias University has been instructed to vacate the AI Expo, but representatives from their stall claim they are remaining and have not received any notice to leave.
The uproar began on Tuesday when a University representative described the robotic dog as a product of the university’s Centre of Excellence and elaborated on the features and technological advancements of the robot, asserting it was developed by the institution.