German police investigate alleged groping by robot

Summary

German police are investigating after a robot allegedly touched a 16-year-old girl in Cologne and made thrusting movements; police seized the robot, and the investigation is examining whether it was preprogrammed or controlled in real time, according to Fast Company. The Globe and Mail reports that the robot’s suspected 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion allegedly filmed and streamed the incident. This follows earlier reports that police seized the robot, with CBC saying two men controlled it and police called the case new territory, and NBC News saying the alleged groping was livestreamed.

Timeline

1. The Globe and Mail

   15 Oct 2026, 12:54 UTCSource ↗

   The Globe and Mail reports that German authorities opened an investigation after a robot allegedly touched a 16-year-old girl in Cologne and made thrusting movements, and that police confiscated it.

2. The Globe and Mail

   15 Oct 2026, 13:06 UTCSource ↗

   The Globe and Mail adds that the robot’s suspected 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion were said to have filmed and streamed the alleged assault.

3. Fast Company

   15 Oct 2026, 13:45 UTCSource ↗

   Fast Company reports that police seized the robot and the two young men’s phones, that the two suspects have not been charged, and that investigators are examining whether the robot’s movements were preprogrammed or controlled in real time.