Tensions peaked at New Delhi’s India AI Impact Summit 2026 when Galgotias University passed off a Chinese robodog as indigenous ‘Orion,’ sparking a national debate on tech integrity. Wipro’s showcase of a comparable robot fueled speculation, but the firm swiftly rebutted any equivalence.
‘We’re a software-centric entity, not hardware fabricators,’ Wipro sources affirmed Wednesday. Their expo feature centered on AI enhancements for the ‘TJ’ robodog—Unitree’s Go2—ideal for hazardous operations like search-and-rescue in calamities.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw quelled some heat, revealing corrective measures for expo anomalies. ‘Great innovations were on display,’ he emphasized to reporters. ‘Wrong actions face immediate repercussions.’ This follows media exposés that propelled the issue into political crossfire.
The university refuted exaggeration claims, positioning its demo within government AI frameworks. Stall removal directives reportedly issued remain unconfirmed by on-site staff. Opposition leaders lambasted the event as emblematic of regulatory gaps.
Wipro’s proactive disavowal highlights a maturing industry narrative: software prowess over hardware pretense. This controversy, while embarrassing, could catalyze robust verification protocols, fortifying India’s AI ecosystem against future deceptions.