Hours after the robodog controversy at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 escalated into a national debate and led to Galgotias University’s exit from the event, speculation surfaced on social media about Professor Neha Singh’s professional future. The buzz intensified after Singh’s LinkedIn profile indicated she is “open to work,” prompting questions about her employment status at the university.
What sparked the row?
The controversy erupted during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. In a viral clip, Neha Singh, representing Galgotias University, introduced a robotic dog named “Orion,” claiming it was developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence. She described the device as capable of surveillance and monitoring, moving freely across campus.
Social media users soon alleged that the robotic dog was actually sourced from Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics. The claims went viral, drawing criticism and raising questions about whether the university had misrepresented the product as its own innovation.
University responds, cites ‘ill-informed’ representative
Amid rising criticism, Galgotias University issued multiple statements. In its latest clarification, the university apologised for the “confusion” created at the summit and stated that Singh was an “ill-informed” representative.
“She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and, in her enthusiasm on camera, provided factually incorrect information, even though she was not authorised to speak to the press,” the statement said.
The university also confirmed it had vacated its stall at the expo following directions from organisers, amid reports that the incident caused “national embarrassment.”
Has Neha Singh been fired?
There has been no official confirmation from Galgotias University that Singh has been terminated or asked to resign. The speculation arose after her LinkedIn profile reflected the “open to work” status.
Singh joined Galgotias University in November 2023 as a faculty member in Communications at the School of Management. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Professor at Sharda University, worked as a Verbal Ability mentor at Career Launcher, and held a position at GITAM. She completed her MBA from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in 2006 and earned a B.Com degree from the University of Allahabad. Neither Singh nor the university has publicly confirmed any change in her employment status, and the LinkedIn update alone does not confirm termination.
Professor accepts accountability
In her response to the controversy, Neha Singh clarified that it was never her intention to claim the robodog as indigenously developed.
“The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly,” she told Hindustan Times.
“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 added that the issue was a matter of perspective, saying, “Your six, my nine… it’s about perspective.” (Agency)
