German police in Cologne seized a red-and-gold humanoid robot after it allegedly touched a 16-year-old girl inappropriately near a fast-food restaurant on Oct.
10.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on a nightlife strip near the city center, according to North Rhine Westphalia Police.
Police said the robot approached the girl from behind and made thrusting motions before she moved away and emergency services were alerted.
Officers soon found the 16-year-old robot owner and his 19-year-old companion nearby.
The robot and two smartphones were seized as evidence.
Investigators are examining whether the movements were remotely controlled, programmed, or autonomous.
The device, about 120 centimeters tall, was found in a car after the suspects were located.
Images released by authorities showed the robot wearing a black moustache, gold-colored chain, and white vest.
North Rhine Westphalia Police later warned about online reactions in a follow-up Facebook post.
"Can be a crossing of the line and in the worst case, a criminal offense," the police said.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage and online recordings to reconstruct the incident.
They are also examining possible issues involving unauthorized image publication and a suspected sexually motivated insult.
The case has raised legal questions in Germany because existing sexual harassment laws generally involve direct physical contact between people.
Legal experts cited by RTL said the use of a robot could complicate potential prosecution under current rules.
German media identified the robot as a commercially available humanoid model costing about 5,000 euros, or around $5,600.
No charges had been filed against either suspect at the time of the reports.
