Investigation Launched in Cologne After Robot Incident

COLOGNE, Germany — Authorities in Germany are looking into a case of possible sexual harassment involving a robot. According to police, the incident occurred when the robot, operated by two young men, made inappropriate movements towards a 16-year-old girl.

The Cologne police intervened after reports surfaced about the incident that took place between Saturday and Sunday night. It’s alleged that the robot’s 16-year-old owner, along with a 19-year-old friend, recorded the event.

They reportedly streamed the situation live, providing commentary as it unfolded.

Christoph Bermel, a spokesperson for the Cologne police, noted that while no charges have been filed against the two teenagers, they are considered suspects. Investigators are trying to determine if the robot’s actions were pre-programmed or executed in real-time.

Bermel remarked on the unfamiliarity of such an event, describing it as “new territory.” He mentioned, “We have not been aware of this phenomenon before,” indicating a sort of bewilderment regarding the scenario.

Emergency responders who arrived at the fast-food spot found the robot in a car’s trunk. Both the robot and the mobile devices belonging to the young men were taken as evidence.

On social media, the Cologne police shared a photo of the robot, which stands around 120 cm tall and is dressed in a white tank top, black sweatpants, and accessorized with a gold chain and sunglasses. It even sports what seems to be a fake mustache.

Clips circulating online show the young men leading the robot towards a group of women, where it bumps into one and hugs others, all amid a lively atmosphere. Observers can be heard laughing as one of the men yells at the robot to stop its sexual gestures.

On Tuesday, the police’s Facebook page condemned the inappropriate remarks related to the incident and cautioned that trivializing such matters could negatively impact victims.