Could Circus AI Cooking Robots Reduce Food Costs?

German supermarket chain REWE West has partnered with global AI and robotics company Circus SE to introduce what could be a major shift in how retailers operate.

The collaboration introduces the world's first autonomous nutrition system into supermarket environments through the launch of Fresh & Smart, a new concept that integrates the Circus CA-1 AI robot and software platform into retail spaces.

From robot bag-packers to AI trolleys, retailers have been exploring technology to boost efficiency and reduce labour costs.

The CA-1 is the latest innovation in this progression, requiring only one hour of human input per day while working at a 24-hour capacity to deliver meals, reducing labour costs by 95%.

Autonomous cooking meets supermarket retail

The first Fresh & Smart market has opened in Düsseldorf Heerdt, making history as a full integration of AI-powered autonomous cooking robots within a supermarket.

This fully autonomous food production robot produces efficient food delivery, reducing human input.

Plans are already in place for expansion into additional locations, with some sites already under construction.

The retail sector has witnessed automation growth, from inventory planning or checkout systems.

Amazon Fresh stores rely on apps and sensors to avoid long queue times and manual checkout systems.

Walmart has introduced AI agents to streamline the shopping experience for customers, using agentic AI to help scan for risk or optimise delivery routes.

Waitrose introduced an AI-smart trolley to increase customer efficiency, with automatic scanning and visible cost totals.

Technology driving operational performance

The CA-1 Series 4 improves the speed at which it prepares and delivers food.

According to the specifications, it can make up to 500 dishes per load, with meals being prepared in 3-4 minutes.

The technology includes:

• Interactive displays to allow for an easy and efficient customer experience
• A self-cleaning system for hygienic but low-maintenance operation
• Induction pots which enable precision cooking with energy efficient and rapid heating
• Robo arms which automate dispensing, cooking and plating
• AI-driven monitoring for operational control, maintenance and quality checks
• Eight heated slots where consumers can pick up their meals, keeping food at perfect temperature and freshness
• Food silos which track inventory and ensure optimal storage conditions.

Due to compact designs and smart technology, the device is built for optimised space utilisation, both inside and outside retail environments.

“With the use of fully autonomous AI robots, we are showing what innovation in food retail truly means today: being close to customer needs, leading in technology, and maintaining the highest standards of quality,” says Lars Klein, Chairman of the Management Board of REWE Region West.

“We combine efficiency with enjoyment – turning grocery shopping into an experience of the future.”

Applications across multiple sectors

Within spaces such as airports and supermarkets, the system provides a convenient grab-and-go experience.

In places like hospitals and hotels, it simplifies high-quality meals, reducing operational costs by 95% while meeting diverse dietary needs.

The technology also provides a nutritious and affordable option in areas such as schools and universities.

As automation and AI become more common within retail spaces, consumers and staff are witnessing new levels of cost saving and productivity.

“Our launch with REWE marks the first real-world deployment of physical AI applied in retail environments,” adds Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and Founder of Circus.

“With ‘Fresh & Smart,’ autonomous robotics becomes part of everyday life — enabling fresh, high-quality food access through technology that’s both scalable and sustainable.”