The India AI Impact Summit 2026 showcased some incredible technology, but if you look at the news cycle, you’d think only one thing happened.

By now, most of us have seen the viral controversy surrounding the Galgotias University stall. A misrepresentation of an off-the-shelf Chinese robot as an in-house hardware innovation quickly became the biggest headline of the entire event.

But here’s what’s been on my mind: what about the teams who actually put in the gruelling hours of R&D?

While the internet was focused on the controversy, genuine innovation was happening right next door:
General Autonomy, a Bengaluru-based startup, presented PARAM, a truly indigenous, made-in-India quadruped that was even inspected by Hon’ble PM Modi. They built it from the ground up over seven months.

Tech Mahindra showcased brilliant applied AI with robotics. While they used existing hardware, their achievement was the software integration, demonstrating how these machines can use edge-based AI and computer vision to autonomously navigate factory floors, perform safety patrols, and scan for pipeline leaks.

So why is all the conversation, even in the Metro, about one robot dog?
(And for the record, I prefer the technical term quadruped robots rather than “robot dogs.” Let’s be honest, metal and LiDAR sensors are nowhere near as cute as the real furry cuties!)

It makes me wonder how the brilliant minds behind these genuine projects must be feeling. They brought their hard work to a global stage, only to watch a single negative incident hijack the spotlight. It is a harsh reminder of how easily controversy becomes news, completely overshadowing quiet, positive progress.

We need to do better at amplifying the right things. Let’s give credit where it’s due.
I saw some of these amazing machines myself, amongst the countless presentations at the massive India AI Impact Summit 2026.

P.S. The photo is of the quadruped robot at the UK Pavilion in Hall 14. They had showcased their own tech along with France, Netherlands, Switzerland, African nations, Italy, Germany, and Australia.