Police in Cologne, Germany, have seized a humanoid robot after it allegedly sexually harassed a 16-year-old girl at a fast-food restaurant, with two teenagers suspected of being involved in the incident.
According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday night at a restaurant on Palmstrasse, where the girl was with two friends aged 17 and 18.
The robot, described as red and gold and measuring approximately 3 feet 11 inches tall, allegedly approached the girl from behind.
Police said the device “touched the girl’s buttocks” and made thrusting movements against her.
Investigators allege that a 16-year-old boy from Wegberg and his 19-year-old companion livestreamed the incident on social media between 11:45 p.m. and midnight.
Officers subsequently arrested the pair at the junction of Magnusstrasse and Hohenzollernring.
The robot was reportedly found in the boot of their Volkswagen vehicle. Police seized the device alongside the mobile phones belonging to both suspects as part of the investigation.
Images of the robot reportedly showed a design resembling Marvel superhero Iron Man, with a fake moustache. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the device had the same appearance during the alleged incident.
Detectives are also examining whether the robot was remotely controlled and seeking to establish the precise roles of the two suspects.
“The criminal investigation department is investigating on suspicion of sexual harassment,” police said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the teenagers have not been established in court.
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