A prominent Indian university laid claim to the first Chinese-made robotic dog at the recent WISE AI summit in New Delhi. This audacious claim led to massive outrage. The incident has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about ethics in technology presentation, especially as the summit attracted delegates from over 100 countries, including industry leaders and heads of governments.
The controversy unfolded when Neha Singh, a professor at the university, presented the robotic dog at the summit, asserting it was an invention of her institution. The robotic canine under discussion is the newest Go2 model. So, it was no surprise when it was quickly recognized as a product of Unitree Robotics, a Chinese company well-known for its innovative technology. The Go2 model is now commercially available for the cost of about 200,000 rupees (about $2,200 or £1,600).
Facing the firestorm of criticism, Neha Singh hastily walked back her comments to reporters, explaining that she had been misquoted. She stated,
“It might be that I could not convey well what I wanted to say, or you could not understand well what I wanted to say.”
Indian news agency Press Trust of India covered the story extensively. It received the support and attention from a wide range of stakeholders across the technology innovation ecosystem. As tensions escalated, the electricity supply to the university’s stall was cut off, further compounding the embarrassment for the event organizers.
Indian IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on his official X account to announce the event. His post ignited the public’s attention on what was developing. Even S Krishnan, India’s IT Secretary expressed his concerns on the event. He was clear that this should not take away from the vital and meaningful contributions made by other players throughout the summit.
“What happened should not affect the way people present or exhibit their work at such events. The idea is not to use an opportunity like this to become something else or create unnecessary noise.” – S Krishnan
The university soon released a rebuttal. In response to the public outcry, they denied ever intending to claim ownership of the robotic dog and accused critics of engaging in a “propaganda campaign.” This declaration seeks to minimize the devastation wrought by the event. It aims to build trust among the research and technology sectors.
The AI summit itself was designed to facilitate discussions on policy, showcase startups, and hold closed-door meetings focused on AI governance and innovation. The event brought together major tech leaders, including Google’s Sundar Pichai. In doing so, it sought to showcase India’s rising influence in AI and tech.
As discussions continue about the implications of this controversy, it underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency within technological exhibitions. This troubling incident gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves of all our responsibilities beyond our roads. When we roll out innovations on a global stage, our reputation and credibility are extremely important.