German Authorities Investigate Robot for Possible Sexual Harassment
Police confiscated a robot and the mobile phones of two young men after an incident involving a 16-year-old girl.
German authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment after a robot, allegedly controlled by two young men, touched a 16-year-old girl's buttocks and made thrusting movements toward her. The incident occurred overnight Saturday to Sunday in the western city of Cologne.
Cologne police spokesman Christoph Bermel stated that the robot's suspected 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion were reportedly filming the alleged assault and streaming it online with commentary. The two males are considered suspects but have not yet been charged. Investigators are working to determine whether the robot's actions were preprogrammed or controlled in real-time.
Police discovered the robot in the trunk of a vehicle near a fast-food restaurant. The approximately 120 cm (about 3 ft 11 inches) tall robot was described as being dressed in a white tank top, black sweatpants, a gold chain, and sunglasses, with a fake mustache.
Videos circulating online appear to show two young men escorting the robot towards a group of women. In the footage, the robot bumps into one woman and hugs others, while one of the men is heard shouting at the robot and pulling it back after it makes sexual gestures. The interactions elicited laughter from bystanders.
Bermel noted that police are unfamiliar with such incidents, describing the situation as "new territory for us."
On Tuesday, police used their Facebook account to criticize inappropriate comments regarding the incident and warned that sharing or joking about such events can exacerbate the harm to any victim.