German authorities have initiated an investigation into potential sexual harassment after a robot allegedly groped a 16-year-old girl and made thrusting motions toward her. The incident occurred over a weekend in Cologne, Germany.
According to police, the robot was controlled by two young men, identified as the robot's suspected 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion. The two are also being investigated for allegedly filming the incident and streaming it online with commentary.
Cologne police spokesman Christoph Bermel stated that the two teenagers have not been formally charged but are considered suspects. Investigators are currently determining whether the robot's movements were pre-programmed or controlled in real-time. Bermel described the situation as "new territory" for law enforcement, noting an unfamiliarity with such incidents.
Police officers dispatched to the scene near a fast-food restaurant discovered the robot in the trunk of a vehicle. The robot, approximately 120 centimeters (about 3 feet 11 inches) tall, was dressed in a white tank top, black sweatpants, and adorned with a gold chain and sunglasses. It also appeared to have a fake mustache.
Videos circulating online depict two young men escorting the robot toward a group of women. The robot is shown bumping into one woman and embracing others. In one video, one of the men can be heard repeatedly shouting at the robot and pulling it back after it makes suggestive gestures, which elicited laughter from bystanders.
Authorities confiscated the robot and the mobile phones belonging to the two young men. The North Rhine Westphalia Police Cologne shared an image of the robot on Facebook and later posted a message criticizing inappropriate comments and warning that sharing or joking about such incidents could exacerbate the impact on any victim.