German police have confiscated a humanoid robot following reports that it behaved indecently towards a 16-year-old girl. The incident occurred on October 10, in Cologne, Germany, near a fast-food restaurant on a busy nightlife street.
Authorities are investigating if the robot’s actions were controlled by two young men who reportedly livestreamed the event on social media. The men, aged 16 and 19, were found near the scene by the police. The robot was found in the trunk of a car alongside their smartphones, all of which were confiscated.
Videos shared online show the robot, standing about four feet tall and dressed in athletic attire, approaching the girl from behind. It allegedly touched her inappropriately and performed suggestive gestures. The youth livestreamed and commented on the event as it happened.
The robot is identified as a commercially sold model, costing approximately 5,000 euros or $5,600. One suspect claimed on TikTok that the collision was accidental. However, longer footage contradicts this by showing continued inappropriate conduct.
The police are examining surveillance and online videos to determine how the incident unfolded. They aim to establish whether the robot was directly controlled, programmed, or acted independently. Legal experts point out that German laws require direct human contact for sexual harassment charges, complicating potential prosecution.
Currently, the investigation is considering charges of sexually motivated insult and unauthorized image publication. No official charges against the suspects have yet been made.
This case presents complex legal challenges as more sophisticated robots become accessible. It raises questions about accountability when robots are involved in potentially criminal actions.