Sexual assault, indecent gestures by robot in Germany raises safety concerns

A humanoid robot’s indecent behaviour on the streets of Germany has prompted a police investigation after it allegedly groped a 16-year-old girl near a fast-food outlet in Cologne.The 120cm-tall, red-and-gold robot allegedly approached the teenager from behind shortly before midnight on Saturday, grabbed her buttocks and made thrusting motions. The girl, who was with friends, screamed and moved away, according to North Rhine-Westphalia police.‼️BREAKING: German police seized a robot that sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl by touching her ass and making thrusting motions at her.Officers found it stashed in the boot of a Volkswagen.Its 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion allegedly livestreamed it. International Cyber Digest (@IntCyberDigest) October 12, 2026Police are investigating the robot’s 16-year-old owner and his 19-year-old companion, who are suspected of livestreaming the incident on social media and commenting on it. Investigators are also examining whether someone deliberately controlled the robot’s movements during the alleged encounter.Emergency services were alerted, and officers found the two suspects a short distance away. The robot was in the back of a car, where its owner had placed it. Police seized the device and two mobile phones as part of the investigation into suspected sexual harassment.A photograph released by police showed the robot wearing a black moustache, a gold-coloured chain and a white vest. Videos also show the owners allegedly referring to the bot as 'Ahmed'.Video clips from earlier livestreams also appear to show the humanoid robot making indecent gestures on the streets, particularly towards women. Reports have also raised questions about whether the robot was being remotely controlled, an aspect investigators are examining in connection with the Cologne incident.Police later warned that some social media comments about the case could cross the line and, in the worst cases, amount to a criminal offence.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.