Robot seized by German police after allegedly groping teenage girl

German police have initiated an investigation into two teenagers accused of controlling a robot that allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in Cologne. The red and gold robot, 120cm tall, reportedly grabbed the girl's buttocks and made thrusting movements, causing her to scream and flee. The 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion are suspected of livestreaming the incident on social media and commenting on it.

According to police, the robot approached the girl from behind near midnight on Saturday, while she was with her friends near a fast-food outlet close to the city center. Emergency services were called, and the two teenagers were found a block away shortly after. The robot was discovered in a car by the boy. Police have seized two mobile phones belonging to the suspects and are investigating whether someone was directly controlling the robot's movements during the incident.

Police have warned that some social media comments related to the case could be considered criminal offenses.