German police have seized a humanoid robot after it allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl outside a fast-food restaurant in Cologne while the incident was livestreamed on social media.
The red-and-gold robot, which stands about 1.2 metres tall, allegedly approached the teenager from behind, grabbed her buttocks and made thrusting motions against her, according to police.
The incident reportedly occurred between 11.45pm and midnight on Sunday, when the girl was with friends aged 17 and 18 outside a fast-food restaurant at the junction of Palmstrasse and Hohenzollernring.
In a statement, Cologne police said the robot’s 16-year-old owner and his 19-year-old companion allegedly filmed the incident, streamed it live on social media and provided commentary.
Footage circulating on TikTok appeared to show the robot standing near two men before touching the girl. The teenager could be seen screaming and moving away after the robot pressed against her.
Emergency services were alerted and located the suspects at the junction of Magnusstrasse and Hohenzollernring. Police found the robot in the boot of a Volkswagen car.
Investigators alleged that the 16-year-old owner, who is from Wegberg, had placed the device in the vehicle before police arrived.
Authorities have seized the robot and two mobile phones as part of the investigation. Police are examining how the robot was operating at the time and whether someone deliberately controlled its movements.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities considering whether charges related to sexual harassment should be brought.
