German authorities are now looking into a disturbing incident involving a robot that allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Cologne. Police confirmed that a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man face investigation after the device approached and touched a 16-year-old girl in a public place late on Saturday.
The victim was walking with two friends in the western German city when the 1.2-metre tall robot, painted in red and gold, moved toward her. According to officers, the machine touched her on the buttocks and made repeated thrusting motions. The two young men are accused of filming the entire episode, streaming it live on social media, and adding comments while it happened.
A video that later appeared on TikTok shows the red and gold humanoid robot pressing against the girl as she screams and tries to move away. Two males can be seen nearby during the encounter. After the clip began circulating, police received alerts and quickly responded. Officers later discovered the robot hidden inside the boot of a car. The 16-year-old is believed to be the owner of the device.
Investigators seized the robot along with two mobile phones belonging to the suspects. Both individuals remain under formal investigation. Cologne police released a statement detailing the allegations and confirmed that the device and phones are now held as evidence.
The case has drawn strong public attention because it involves advanced technology used in an alleged criminal act against a minor. Authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing and that they are examining all digital evidence from the phones and the live stream. The victim’s age and the public nature of the incident have made the matter especially serious under German law.
Local residents and online users have expressed shock at the idea of a robot being directed to commit such an act. Police continue to gather statements from witnesses who were present that night. The seized robot has been examined for any control systems or remote operation links that may connect it directly to the suspects.
This unusual case highlights growing concerns about the misuse of robotics and live-streaming technology. German investigators are treating the matter with full seriousness as they work to establish exactly how the robot was controlled and whether further charges will follow.
