Shoppers at a REWE supermarket in Düsseldorf, Germany, are now witnessing what could be the future of food retail. A fully autonomous kitchen that prepares fresh meals without a single human cook. Munich-based robotics company Circus SE has launched its CA-1 Series 4 system inside REWE Region West’s new “Fresh & Smart” concept.

It marks the world’s first integration of autonomous AI cooking robots directly within a supermarket.

The CA-1, a compact robotic kitchen enclosed in glass, performs the full process of meal preparation, from collecting ingredients to cooking, plating, and cleaning, entirely on its own. The installation, operated by Circus and powered by the company’s proprietary AI software platform, marks a significant milestone for both retail automation and food service automation.

Customers can now order restaurant-quality meals in-store, prepared on demand by the CA-1. Each dish, priced from €6 (roughly $6.94), is cooked live while customers wait, a process that takes only a few minutes.

According to Circus, the robot can prepare up to 120 meals an hour, ensuring consistent quality without fatigue, breaks, or staffing issues.

“We combine efficiency with enjoyment – turning grocery shopping into an experience of the future,” says Lars Klein, Chairman of the Management Board of REWE Region West. 

A new chapter in AI-driven kitchens

The CA-1 Series 4, Circus’ latest production model, is lighter and faster than earlier prototypes. Engineers redesigned the system’s structure to shed nearly 450 kilograms, added modular grippers that attach magnetically, and refined the induction system to heat the pot precisely where needed.

TechEBlog reports that the robot’s stirring speed automatically adjusts based on the meal type, while built-in sensors detect ingredient changes in real time.

Between meals, the CA-1 cleans itself. A built-in commercial dishwasher automatically sanitizes the equipment. Everything operates behind a transparent panel, allowing customers to watch as the twin robotic arms move in synchronized precision, scooping, stirring, seasoning, and plating meals with minimal human oversight.

The collaboration positions REWE, one of Europe’s largest retail groups with over 16,000 locations, at the forefront of automated meal services in supermarkets.

While Circus operates the robotics systems, REWE provides the retail space and infrastructure, a model both companies say is scalable for future expansion. “Our launch with REWE marks the first real-world deployment of physical AI applied in retail environments,” said Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and Founder of Circus.

Automation meets convenience

The CA-1 system is designed to respond to real-time demand, using predictive algorithms to prepare only what is needed, thereby helping reduce food waste, which is a persistent issue in large-scale meal production.

Customers interact with the robot through a touchscreen or voice interface to place their orders, while the AI system handles the rest.

The Düsseldorf installation is the first of three planned pilot sites, with the next already under construction. REWE Region West’s partnership signals how supermarkets may evolve beyond retail into experiential spaces that merge shopping, dining, and automation.

The company is already exploring applications in other high-volume settings such as hospitals, universities, and factories, and has even partnered with Ukraine’s BRAVE1 defense technology program to test autonomous meal preparation for soldiers in the field.

Standing before the CA-1, the scene resembles a glimpse into the near future. Robotic arms deftly handle ingredients, stir sauces, and serve hot dishes through a take-out window, all without human intervention. While the system addresses labor shortages and operational challenges, it also raises questions about the future of traditional kitchen jobs.

For now, though, shoppers in Düsseldorf can simply enjoy the novelty. A meal prepared by a robot chef that never tires, never calls in sick, and cooks with mechanical precision.