Humanoid Robot Arrested for Sexually Harassing Teenage Girl

German police have confiscated a humanoid robot after it allegedly made inappropriate physical contact and sexually suggestive movements towards a teenage girl in Cologne. Authorities are investigating whether two young males deliberately controlled the robot during the incident, which reportedly occurred near a fast-food restaurant in a bustling nightlife district shortly before midnight on October 10.

The robot, owned by a 16-year-old boy, was found in the trunk of a Volkswagen after being reported by officers. Police seized the robot, along with the smartphones of the two suspects, both aged 19 and 17. Videos shared online show the teenager standing with her two friends when the robot approached her from behind and touched her buttocks, causing her distress.

The robot also made thrusting movements towards her. The two young men allegedly recorded and live-streamed the incident, commenting on it in real-time. One suspect later claimed on social media that the robot accidentally collided with the girl while trying to avoid another pedestrian. However, the longer videos suggest the robot made sexually suggestive movements after the initial contact.

Police are reviewing surveillance footage and online videos to determine the exact sequence of events. They are also investigating if the robot was remotely controlled, if its actions were pre-programmed, or if it performed the movements independently. This unusual case has sparked discussions about the application of existing criminal laws to robots capable of abusive behavior.

Under German law, sexual harassment typically requires direct physical contact between individuals, making it challenging to prosecute the robot's owners using current sexual harassment statutes. Instead, authorities are treating the incident as a sexually motivated insult and may examine potential violations related to the unauthorized distribution of images or videos.

Charges have not yet been filed against either suspect. The case highlights the growing challenges for law enforcement as advanced humanoid robots become more accessible to private users and raises broader questions about legal responsibility when individuals use machines to commit what would otherwise be considered criminal acts.