REWE Region West and Circus SE Launch National Pilot for Autonomous Cooking Robots in Supermarkets

Circus SE, a global leader in AI software and robotics for the food service industry, has announced an exclusive national pilot partnership with REWE Markt GmbH, the West Regional Branch of REWE, one of Europe's leading retail and tourism groups. This groundbreaking collaboration, set to launch in fall 2025, aims to integrate the fully autonomous cooking robot CA-1 and the cloud-based Circus Software Suite into several REWE supermarkets in Germany. This marks the world’s first deployment of autonomous food production in grocery retail, setting a new precedent in the industry. Under the terms of the agreement, REWE Region West will receive three CA-1 robotic units, each equipped with a comprehensive software package that includes automated ordering systems, kitchen control, and AI-driven production management. The eight-month pilot phase will encompass joint operations, employee training, marketing initiatives, and a detailed performance evaluation. Key metrics to be assessed include customer satisfaction, technical reliability, and operational efficiency. Lars Klein, Chairman of the Management Board at REWE Region West, emphasized the importance of this partnership in shaping a sustainable and forward-looking shopping experience. "The integration of cutting-edge robotics with our customer-centric approach is an exciting step," he said. "We are particularly interested in understanding how customers will accept this new technology and the valuable feedback we will receive during the pilot phase." Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO of Circus SE, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. "This pilot is a significant milestone for both Circus and the retail sector. It is the first instance where customers can enjoy freshly prepared meals in supermarkets, cooked entirely by robots. We are proud to bring this innovative concept to life with REWE and eager to explore its potential impact." The pilot will serve as a test bed for Circus SE's advanced AI and robotics solutions, providing crucial insights into their practical application in a real-world retail environment. By deploying the CA-1 robot and its associated software suite, Circus aims to address labor-intensive tasks in the food service industry, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. If successful, this could lead to a broader rollout of the technology across REWE's extensive network of stores. The CA-1 robot is designed to perform multiple cooking tasks autonomously, from preparing ingredients to assembling and cooking dishes. It is capable of producing a variety of meals, adhering to strict hygiene standards and quality controls. The cloud-based Circus Software Suite will enable seamless integration of the robot with existing supermarket systems, facilitating real-time inventory management, order processing, and production scheduling. Industry experts view this partnership as a significant step towards the automation of food service in retail settings. The integration of AI-driven robotics in supermarkets could revolutionize the way fresh meals are prepared and delivered, potentially reducing labor costs and increasing operational precision. Furthermore, it aligns with the growing trend of incorporating sustainable practices and innovative technologies in retail operations to meet evolving consumer demands. Circus SE, headquartered in Germany, is at the forefront of developing embodied AI and AI software for the food service industry. Its flagship product, the CA-1, represents a leap forward in autonomous cooking technology. The company's international expansion and commitment to solving global challenges underscore its pioneering role in the tech landscape. The REWE Group, also based in Germany, is a major player in European retail and tourism, known for its strong brand presence and dedication to sustainability and innovation. REWE Region West, headquartered in Hürth, operates more than 560 stores in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, supply hubs in Cologne-Langel and Koblenz, and employs over 25,000 people. The region’s commitment to training young professionals in various retail and administrative roles highlights its investment in the future of the industry. The success of this pilot project will not only offer immediate benefits to REWE and Circus SE but could have far-reaching implications for the retail and food service sectors globally. If the CA-1 robot proves effective, it could pave the way for similar innovations in other regions and industries, further enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of food preparation processes. Industry insiders are optimistic about the partnership, noting that it could be a game-changer for grocery retail. "This is a bold move by REWE and Circus SE," says Dr. Maria Lopez, a robotics expert at the University of Munich. "If successful, it could set a new standard for how supermarkets operate and offer customers a unique, modern dining experience right within the store." Dr. Lopez believes that the integration of AI in food service could significantly reduce human error and increase productivity, benefiting both retailers and consumers. Overall, the pilot partnership between Circus SE and REWE Region West embodies a pioneering effort to bridge technological advancements with everyday consumer experiences, promising a transformative impact on the grocery retail sector.