New Delhi: German police have seized a humanoid robot resembling Marvel superhero Iron Man after it allegedly touched a 16-year-old girl's buttocks and made "disgusting" movements towards her in the city of Cologne. Authorities are investigating the incident, in which the robot's teenage owner and his 19-year-old companion allegedly filmed and livestreamed the episode on social media, The Telegraph reported.
According to a statement from Cologne police, the incident occurred late on Saturday night, October 10, outside a fast-food restaurant on the city's Hohenzollernring.
What Happened With The Teenager?
The 16-year-old girl was reportedly standing with two friends when the approximately 1.2-metre-tall robot approached her from behind and allegedly carried out the inappropriate actions.
Police said the robot's 16-year-old owner and his 19-year-old companion allegedly recorded the incident, streamed it live on social media and commented on the episode.
Police Seize Robot, Mobile Phones
The girl alerted the police following the alleged incident. Officers subsequently located the two young men nearby and found the robot inside the boot of a car, where its owner was suspected of having hidden it. Authorities seized the robot and two mobile phones belonging to the suspects as part of the investigation.
According to the police statement, investigators are examining the circumstances of the incident, including how the robot was operating and whether its movements were deliberately controlled by someone.
The investigation is being conducted on suspicion of a sexually motivated offence under German law.
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Which Robot Was Involved?
The robot has been identified in media reports as the Unitree R1 Air, a humanoid robot manufactured by Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics. Its red-and-gold appearance, along with the outfit in which it was dressed, reportedly gave it an Iron Man-like look.
The device is capable of performing programmed movements and can also be controlled remotely. Investigators are trying to establish whether someone directed its movements during the incident or whether it was operating in another mode.
The precise circumstances remain under investigation, and police have not established publicly who, if anyone, directly controlled the robot at the time.
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