German Police Investigate Cologne Incident After Robot Gropes Teenager

German police launched an investigation after a remote-controlled robot groped a 16-year-old girl in Cologne. Two young men, aged 16 and 19, reportedly livestreamed the bizarre incident on social media.

The event occurred over the weekend when the teenager was spending time with her friends at a fast-food restaurant. The robot, which stands about 1.20 meters tall, approached her from behind. According to local authorities, the device touched the victim and made inappropriate pushing motions against her lower body.

Police later tracked down the red-and-gold robot inside the trunk of a car belonging to the two suspects. Investigators are currently examining whether the machine was operating autonomously or if someone deliberately manipulated its movements during the incident.

Authorities have classified the case as a sexual offense, which carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison. The robot, along with the suspects' mobile phones, has been confiscated by law enforcement.