German police have seized a humanoid robot following allegations that it touched a teenage girl inappropriately and made sexually suggestive movements toward her in Cologne.
Investigators are examining whether the robot was deliberately controlled by its 16-year-old owner and his 19-year-old companion, and whether the encounter was livestreamed.
The incident reportedly took place shortly before midnight on October 10 near a fast-food restaurant in a busy nightlife district. Police have also confiscated the smartphones belonging to both suspects as part of the investigation.
Authorities are working to establish exactly what happened and whether the robot was operated intentionally during the alleged incident.
The case has drawn attention to the growing use of humanoid robots in public spaces and the questions surrounding their operation and misuse.
However, the allegations remain under investigation, and further details about the suspects’ involvement have yet to be established.
