Robot seized after allegedly assaulting girl in Cologne

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 21:08 · Archive

Police in Cologne seized a humanoid robot after it allegedly touched a girl's buttocks and made thrusting motions against her.

Police in Cologne seized a humanoid robot after it allegedly assaulted a 16-year-old girl outside a fast-food restaurant on Sunday night. The girl was with friends when the red and gold robot, approximately 4 feet tall and wearing a fake moustache and chain, approached her from behind and allegedly touched her buttocks whilst making thrusting motions.

A 16-year-old boy from Wegberg and a 19-year-old man are under investigation on suspicion of sexual harassment. The alleged assault was livestreamed on social media from 11:45pm to midnight, with the man reportedly providing commentary. Police arrested both suspects at a nearby street corner and discovered the robot in the boot of a Volkswagen car.

Detectives are investigating whether someone was deliberately controlling the robot's movements during the incident. Both suspects' mobile phones have been seized. The robot, which resembles a Marvel comic book character, apparently sells for between $5,000 and $9,000.

How it is being reported

• Humanoid robot ‘sexually assaults’ teenage girlDetectives investigate whether a boy and man were controlling machineThe Independent · 13 Oct, 20:52
• Robot seized by police for ‘thrusting up against girl, 16, and touching her buttocks’Police believe it is remote-controlled.Metro · 12 Oct, 16:55

In this story: Cologne · Germany · Wegberg

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