In this ‘Made-in-India’ Robot guide, we’ll walk you through:

The key questions to ask before assuming a robot is homegrown.

The key questions to ask before assuming a robot is homegrown.

How to check the model’s authenticity and avoid rebranded imports.

How to check the model’s authenticity and avoid rebranded imports.

What technical details and documentation you need to confirm local innovation?

What technical details and documentation you need to confirm local innovation?

Simple tips for verifying hardware and software origins.

Simple tips for verifying hardware and software origins.

What 'Made-in-India' should really mean in today’s robotics industry.

What 'Made-in-India' should really mean in today’s robotics industry.

When you think of a robot, what comes to mind?

Maybe it’s a high-tech machine performing surgeries, a humanoid working in a factory, or a dog-like robot that can walk, jump, and even play fetch. Now, imagine if a robot showcased as a cutting-edge innovation in India were later found to be nothing more than a rebranded product imported from another country.

This is exactly what happened at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 when Galgotias University presented a robot dog called 'Orion' — which was quickly recognised by internet users as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available Chinese robot dog. This revelation sparked controversy over what 'Made in India' truly means in the robotics industry.

Interestingly, India’s AI ecosystem is thriving in 2026. According to IndiaAI’s latest report, India is home to over 75,000 AI startups, contributing to a market worth more than $250 billion — a five-fold increase from 2020. As this rapid growth continues, it is even more critical for India to uphold the credibility of its innovation claims, especially in sectors such as robotics.

As India advances its tech ambitions, understanding how to identify truly homegrown solutions will be key to building trust and ensuring that India’s robots are not just “assembled” but genuinely engineered and tested here.

The incident raised an important question: How can we, as consumers and tech enthusiasts, truly tell if a robot or AI solution is genuinely made in India or if it’s just an imported model being passed off as homegrown? Let’s break it down step by step to help you better understand how to spot the difference.

Step 1: Check the model name and specifications

The first thing you should do when you come across a robot is check the model name and its specifications. In the case of the Galgotias University robot, the Unitree Go2 was easily identified by its distinct design, functionality, and model number.

Tip: Search for the robot’s model name online. If you find that the same robot is available for sale on commercial websites or is part of a manufacturer’s catalogue, it’s a sign that the robot has been imported or mass-produced elsewhere.

For instance, Unitree Go2, which Galgotias showcased, is an off-the-shelf product available for purchase globally. You can even find it on popular international e-commerce platforms. If a robot is being marketed as a fully developed product, yet is easily traceable to a foreign supplier, it’s likely not 'made in India' in the way we think of it.

Step 2: Ask for technical documentation

A truly Indian-made robot should have clear technical documentation. This includes diagrams of the robot’s build, software details, and design iterations. Whether it’s a prototype or a commercial model, Indian developers should be able to provide details on what they’ve engineered........

© The Better India