A remote-controlled robot painted to look like Iron Man was seized by police in Cologne, Germany, after allegedly groping and thrusting against a 16-year-old girl in an assault that was filmed and livestreamed.
The incident occurred just before midnight on Sunday outside a fast-food restaurant in the west German city, according to a police statement. The alleged victim was with friends when the four-foot-high red and gold humanoid bot approached her.
Police said the robot grabbed the teenager’s buttocks and “made thrusting motions against her.” The girl called the police, and officers located the machine shortly afterward in the trunk of a Volkswagen.
Two suspects were identified in connection with the incident. The robot’s owner is 16 years old, and he was allegedly accompanied by a 19-year-old companion. Police said the pair filmed the assault and broadcast it live on social media while providing commentary.
Officers confiscated the robot along with two cellphones belonging to the suspects. Authorities released a photograph showing the seized machine lying on the ground, dressed in a white cut-off T-shirt, black basketball shorts, a fake mustache and a gold chain.
Investigators are still working to determine who was controlling the robot at the time of the alleged assault. The police statement did not specify whether charges have been filed or what potential charges the suspects might face.
The video of the incident circulated on TikTok, where clips of the robot’s actions drew attention before the police intervention. The platform has faced ongoing scrutiny over content moderation policies, particularly regarding videos depicting harassment or assault.
Cologne authorities have not released additional details about the condition of the alleged victim following the incident. The police investigation remains active as detectives examine the confiscated cellphones and the robot itself for evidence.