Comedian Vir Das has recently engaged with the ongoing controversy surrounding Galgotias University and its presentation of a robot dog during the India AI Impact Summit 2026. As discussions unfolded online regarding the university’s claims about the robot dog, Das utilized his platform on X to offer a sarcastic take on the matter. In his post, he stated, “Nothing is REALLY original when you think about it,” further joking that all inventions stemmed from “the great Galgotia University in the sky.” To lighten the mood, he shared an image of a dog, assuring followers that it was not an artificial creation, while encouraging the adoption of mixed-breed dogs.

Background of the Controversy

The issue began after a video surfaced showing Professor Neha Singh introducing a robot dog named ‘Orion’ as a part of the university’s Centre of Excellence. This presentation led to accusations that Galgotias University had inaccurately claimed credit for developing the robot. Viewers quickly recognized the device as a commercially available model from Unitree Robotics, leading to heightened scrutiny and criticism of the university’s assertions.

University’s Position on the Claims

In response to the growing controversy, Galgotias University clarified that it had never claimed to have manufactured the robot. The university stated that the robot was acquired as part of its larger investments in artificial intelligence. At the summit, Dr. Aishwarya Shrivastava emphasized that there had been “no claim” from the institution regarding the production of the robot dog, also refuting any allegations of concealing Unitree’s branding during the presentation.

Reactions and Further Developments

Despite the university’s clarification, reports emerged suggesting that the organizers had requested the university to vacate its pavilion. However, the institution firmly denied receiving any such directive from event organizers or the ministry. The discourse surrounding this event has raised significant questions about academic transparency and the communication of technological innovations.

Implications for Academic Transparency

The events stemming from the robot dog incident highlight critical issues within academic and research institutions regarding how they convey information about their projects and achievements. Particularly, questions arise about the importance of accurately representing the distinction between innovation, collaboration, and procurement in academic settings. As universities strive to showcase their advancements in artificial intelligence, the consistency and clarity of their communication become pivotal.

Public Sentiment and Online Reactions

The blend of humor and criticism surrounding this controversy, especially through Vir Das’s comments, reflects a broader skepticism among the public towards exaggerated claims in the tech industry. The online community has responded with a mix of memes and light-hearted commentary, effectively transforming a serious subject into a playful exchange. While the robot dog may have been manufactured elsewhere, the engagement and creativity of the online discourse remain a homegrown phenomenon.