A RED-AND-GOLD robot reportedly came under police investigation after allegedly sexually harassing a 16-year-old girl in Cologne, Germany, early Sunday (Oct 11).
Police said the approximately 1.2-metre-tall robot allegedly approached the girl from behind and made repeated movements against her. The incident reportedly took place between 11.45 pm and midnight near the junction of Palmstrasse and Hohenzollernring.
The girl had been standing outside a fast-food restaurant with two friends, aged 17 and 18, when the alleged incident occurred.
Police later located the girl and the two suspects at the junction of Magnusstrasse and Hohenzollernring after receiving a report about the incident.
The robot was found in the boot of a Volkswagen. Police said its 16-year-old owner from Wegberg had placed it there before officers arrived.
The owner and a 19-year-old companion are also suspected of recording the incident and broadcasting it live on social media, with the older man allegedly acting as the stream’s presenter.
Investigators are examining how the robot operated at the time and whether its movements were deliberately controlled by someone.
Police seized the robot, along with two mobile phones belonging to the suspects, as part of their investigation.
The case is being investigated by criminal police on suspicion of an offence involving an alleged sexually motivated insult.