Daijiworld Media Network - Cologne
Cologne, Oct 14: Police in the German city of Cologne have seized a robot following an alleged sexual assault involving a 16-year-old girl, while investigating the role of two young men suspected of controlling the device during the incident.
According to police, the robot allegedly touched the teenager's private parts near a fast-food restaurant on the night between Saturday and Sunday. The two young men are also suspected of filming the incident, livestreaming it and posting comments about it online. Neither has been charged.
Investigators are examining whether the robot's movements were programmed in advance or controlled remotely in real time. Cologne police spokesperson Christoph Burmester said authorities were working to establish precisely how the robot was operated and what role the two suspects may have played.
In a statement issued on Monday, police said emergency responders were dispatched after receiving information about the incident. The robot was subsequently found inside the boot of a vehicle and seized along with the mobile phones belonging to the two young men.
Investigators are examining the devices for evidence relating to the alleged recording, livestreaming and online comments.
According to information released about the case, the robot's owner is 16, while the other young man is 19. The robot stands approximately 120 centimetres tall, or about four feet.
Police also shared a photograph of the robot on social media. It appears red and gold and is seen wearing a white tank top, black track pants, a gold chain and sunglasses.
A video circulating online reportedly shows the robot approaching a group of women, pushing one woman and hugging others. A young man can be seen pulling the robot backwards, while people nearby appear to laugh. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the footage.
Authorities have also criticised inappropriate comments posted online about the incident, warning that mocking the alleged assault or circulating related videos could negatively affect victims.
The investigation is continuing to establish how the robot was controlled, what occurred during the alleged assault and whether the two young men deliberately directed its movements.