A Robot Allegedly Gropes a Female Teenager in Germany

Police in Cologne are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a 1.20-meter-tall robot and a 16-year-old girl. The incident reportedly took place on the city’s Ringe boulevard, where the robot allegedly touched the teenager inappropriately – while its owner and another young man filmed and livestreamed the encounter. Investigators have seized the robot and two mobile phones as part of the ongoing investigation.

A press release from the Cologne Police Department explained that investigators were examining how the device was operated and whether its movements were deliberately controlled.

The incident occurred late Saturday night near a fast-food restaurant at the intersection of Palmstraße and Hohenzollernring. The girl was with two friends, aged 17 and 18, when the robot reportedly came up behind her and made the inappropriate contact: including groping and sexually suggestive movements. The device was about 1.20 meters tall and had red-and-gold coloring.

Police arrived after receiving a report and located the people involved at another intersection nearby. Officers discovered the robot inside the trunk of a Volkswagen, where its 16-year-old owner from Wegberg had placed it earlier. His 19-year-old companion was also present.

According to initial reports, the two young men allegedly recorded the encounter, broadcast it on social media, and made remarks while filming. Authorities have taken possession of the robot and two phones belonging to the suspects as they gather evidence.

The case is being handled by criminal investigators, who are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation concerns a suspected ‘sexually motivated insult’ under German law.