Remote-controlled robot touches young woman inappropriately in Cologne; police seize it
Police in Cologne, Germany, seized a remote-controlled robot used to touch a young woman inappropriately and are questioning two youths, aged 16 and 19.
A robot touched a young woman inappropriately in the German city of Cologne, causing alarm in the area. Police have seized the robot and suspect two youths.
The incident took place on the night of October 11. A young woman was standing outside a fast food shop in Cologne with two friends, aged 17 and 18. At about 11.45 pm, a robot suddenly appeared.
The robot was about 120 cm tall and red and gold in colour. It came slowly up behind the young woman and began touching her inappropriately. It was over before she could react. Those present also did not understand what was happening. The young woman raised an alarm immediately and called the police.
Police investigation found that the robot was not acting on its own but was being operated by someone by remote control. Police suspect two youths: a 16-year-old boy who owns the robot, and his 19-year-old friend.
Police said the two are believed to have driven the robot by remote control and carried out the act. The two also filmed the entire incident and streamed it live on social media. It has also emerged that one of them was speaking on the video.
When police reached the spot, they found both there. They had hidden the robot in the boot of a Volkswagen car. Police immediately took the robot into custody and also seized both their mobile phones.
Police are now examining how the robot was actually being operated and whether its movements were controlled by remote. Why the video was made and why it was streamed live is also being investigated.
Police are now questioning both youths. A case is likely to be registered against them. Further action is being taken following the young woman's complaint.
