German police have seized a robot allegedly used by two young men to sexually harass a 16-year-old girl in Cologne, as investigators work to establish how the machine was operated during the incident.
The alleged incident occurred overnight from Saturday to Sunday in the western German city, where the robot reportedly touched the girl’s buttocks and made thrusting movements towards her, according to the Associated Press.
Police said the robot’s suspected 16-year-old owner and his 19-year-old companion allegedly recorded the incident and streamed it online while making comments about the encounter.
Emergency responders were dispatched to an area near a fast-food restaurant following the incident. On arrival, they reportedly found the robot inside the trunk of a vehicle.
Officers subsequently confiscated the robot and the mobile phones belonging to the two young men as part of the investigation.
Cologne police spokesman Christoph Bermel said the two suspects had not been charged but were being investigated over their alleged involvement.
Investigators are examining whether the robot’s movements were preprogrammed or controlled remotely by the young men at the scene. The distinction could help establish how the alleged harassment was carried out and the role each suspect played.
Bermel said the incident was unlike anything local police had previously encountered.
“We have not been aware of this phenomenon so far,” he told the Associated Press, describing the case as “new territory” for the authorities.
The robot, which reportedly stands about 120 centimetres (3 feet, 11 inches) tall, was dressed in a white tank top and black sweatpants. It also wore sunglasses, a gold chain and what appeared to be a fake moustache.
Images released by Cologne police showed the red-and-gold robot lying on the ground after it was seized.
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Videos circulating online showed two young men escorting the robot towards a group of women on a busy street at night. The machine appeared to bump into one woman and hug others as people gathered nearby.
In one of the videos, a man repeatedly shouted at the robot and pulled it backwards after it made sexual gestures. The actions appeared to amuse some people in the area, with laughter heard during the encounter.
The footage and the alleged behaviour have drawn attention to the potential misuse of robots in public spaces, particularly where machines are operated in ways that could violate the personal boundaries of others.
Cologne police also issued a warning about reactions to the incident on social media. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, officers criticised inappropriate comments and cautioned that sharing or making jokes about such cases could deepen the harm experienced by victims.
The authorities have yet to announce charges against the two suspects. Investigations are continuing as police seek to determine how the robot was controlled and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged harassment.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
