Robot allegedly commits sexual assault on teen as German police confront ‘new territory’

German authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment involving a robot controlled by two young men. The incident occurred overnight on Saturday and Sunday in the western city of Cologne, where the robot allegedly touched the buttocks of a 16-year-old girl and made thrusting movements towards her. Police received a report of the incident and discovered the robot in the trunk of a vehicle, along with the two young men's mobile phones, which were subsequently confiscated.

The two male teenagers, aged 16 and 19, were not initially charged but were considered suspects. Police are currently examining whether the robot's movements were preprogrammed or controlled in real time, as they have never encountered such an incident before. Cologne police spokesman Christoph Bermel stated that this is "new territory for us."

Footage circulating online shows the two young men escorting the robot towards a group of women, bumping into one and hugging others on a busy street. One of the men repeatedly shouted at the robot and pulled it backward after it made sexual gestures, causing laughter among onlookers. Police have criticized inappropriate comments and warned that sharing or joking about such incidents can exacerbate the impact on any victim.