Cologne Police Seize Robot in Investigation of Alleged Assault

Cologne police have seized a humanoid robot and two mobile phones while investigating allegations that the machine touched a 16-year-old girl outside a fast-food restaurant and that two people filmed and livestreamed the encounter. Investigators are also examining how the robot was operating, including whether its movements were deliberately controlled. Police said the incident occurred late on October 10, between 11:45 p.m. and midnight, outside a restaurant in central Cologne. The girl was with two friends, according to the police account. The approximately 1.2-metre-tall red-and-gold robot allegedly approached her from behind, touched her buttocks and made thrusting movements. The two suspects are the robot’s 16-year-old owner, from Wegberg, and a 19-year-old companion. Police said they are suspected of filming and livestreaming the encounter and commenting during it. The allegations have not been adjudicated. Officers located the pair shortly after the incident near the junction of Magnusstrasse and Hohenzollernring, police said. The owner had placed the robot in the boot of a Volkswagen, where officers found it.