Humanoid robot ‘sexually assaults’ teenage girl

A humanoid robot was allegedly used to grope a teenage girl in Germany – and the assault was livestreamed on social media, police say.

The robot’s 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old man, who reportedly added a graphic commentary to the footage, are under investigation.

The alleged victim was with friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the city of Cologne just before midnight when the 4ft robot approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her, touching her backside and making thrusting movements, according to police.

The girl, also 16, raised the alarm, and officers found the suspects on a nearby street corner.

Police say they then discovered the robot in the boot of a Volkswagen car.

A photograph shows the robot with red and gold arms, a fake moustache and a fake-gold chain.

Robots like it sell for between $5,000 (£3,700) and $9,000 (£6,800).

Police seized the robot and both suspects’ phones, and detectives are investigating whether someone was controlling the robot during the attack.

Cologne police said: “The criminal investigation department is now examining how the robot was functioning at the time of the incident and whether someone was deliberately controlling its movements.

“Officers confiscated the robot and two mobile phones belonging to the suspects.

“The criminal investigation department is investigating on suspicion of sexual harassment.”