Police in Germany seized a humanoid robot and two phones after the machine allegedly touched a 16 year old girl inappropriately.
Police officers in the city of Cologne, Germany, have officially seized a four-foot-tall humanoid robot and two mobile phones after the machine allegedly touched a 16 year old girl inappropriately outside a busy fast food restaurant.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, October 10, 2026, along a popular nightlife strip in central Cologne, leading law enforcement agents to launch a formal investigation into potential sexual harassment and illegal filming.
According to police reports, the red-and-gold robot, which stands about 1.2 meters tall and was dressed in a white vest, sweatpants, and glasses, approached the teenage girl from behind while she was standing with her friends.
Videos circulating on social media show the machine making physical contact with the girl’s body and making inappropriate movements toward her.
Police officers who arrived at the scene located the robot’s 16 year old owner and his 19 year old companion nearby, finding the machine already packed inside the trunk of a Volkswagen car belonging to one of the young men.
Describing the initial findings and confirming the active investigation into the matter, Cologne police spokesperson Christoph Bermel noted that law enforcement officers had not encountered such an incident before.
Highlighting the unusual nature of the case for local law enforcement, police spokesperson Christoph Bermel stated: “We have not been aware of this phenomenon so far. It is new territory for us.”
In an official public update regarding the ongoing criminal investigation and the evidence collected from the scene, Cologne police added: “The criminal investigation department is investigating on suspicion of sexual harassment.”
Investigators believe the two young men recorded and live-streamed the encounter on social media while making live commentary on the video feed.
Detectives seized both the robot and the suspects’ smartphones as key physical evidence to determine whether the machine was actively guided by remote control, pre-programmed with specific instructions, or operating on automated settings.
Addressing public reactions and online discussions regarding the incident, police authorities warned internet users against making improper remarks on social media channels.
Warning social media users against making offensive posts about the victim or the incident, Cologne police stated: “Some comments on social media can be a crossing of the line and in the worst case, a criminal offence.”
While one of the suspects claimed on TikTok that the machine merely bumped into a passerby by accident, longer video recordings show the machine continuing its movements after making contact.
Legal experts in Germany noted that investigators are examining both potential sexual harassment laws and rules governing the unauthorized recording and publication of private images.
No formal criminal charges have been filed yet as forensic experts examine the seized mobile phones and the robot’s internal control software.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
