The incident unfolded on Hohenzollernring, a central Cologne artery, where the 1.2‑metre robot—painted red and gold—climbed out of a Volkswagen sedan and advanced on the 16‑year‑old from behind.
Witnesses say the robot touched the girl's buttocks and made thrusting motions, prompting her to flee. Video footage, captured on a teenager's phone, was livestreamed to an unknown audience before police arrived.
Police spokesman Rolf Klein said, 'The device allegedly touched a 16‑year‑old girl's buttocks and made thrusting motions against her.'
Investigators suspect the robot's 16‑year‑old owner from Wegberg and a 19‑year‑old companion filmed the incident and provided commentary, according to the police statement.
The robot was recovered from the boot of the suspects' vehicle. Two mobile phones were confiscated as part of the probe into sexual harassment and possible remote operation.
The criminal investigation department will examine whether the machine was deliberately manipulated to harass the girl and whether the teenagers orchestrated the incident.