German police have seized a humanoid robot and two mobile phones as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual harassment incident involving a 16-year-old girl in Cologne, Germany.
According to police, the robot allegedly approached the girl from behind outside a fast-food restaurant late on Saturday night, October 10, into Sunday, October 11, touched her buttocks and made thrusting movements. The girl was with friends when the incident occurred.
Authorities are investigating a 16-year-old boy believed to own the robot and a 19-year-old companion. The two are suspected of filming and livestreaming the incident on social media. Police have not announced charges, and investigators are examining whether the robot’s movements were programmed in advance or deliberately controlled remotely.
The approximately 1.2-metre-tall robot was reportedly found in the trunk of a vehicle near the scene. Its seizure, alongside the suspects’ mobile phones, is expected to help investigators establish how the machine operated and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case highlights questions about accountability when robotic devices are allegedly used to facilitate harassment. While robots can perform programmed or remotely directed movements, responsibility in such cases depends on the actions and intentions of the people involved.
Cologne police have also cautioned against inappropriate online comments and the circulation of material that could further distress the alleged victim. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not yet been established in court.
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