How Circus AI Cooking Robots Reduce Operational Costs by 95%

Automation in retail has increased dramatically over the years, from robot bag packers to AI trolleys, with the intention of boosting efficiency and reducing labour costs.

In the latest move for automation, REWE West is launching 'Fresh & Smart', a new shipping experience led by the world's first autonomous nutrition system.

The supermarket chain is integrating the Circus CA-1 AI robot and AI software platform across new markets, in what could be the beginning of a new retailer experience.

The CA-1 requires only one hour of human input a day, reducing labour costs by 95%, while working at a 24 hour capacity to deliver a range of meals in no time.

A new venture

Global AI and robotics company, Circus SE, has partnered with German supermarket chain REWE West to bring the CA-1 robot into the public. This fully autonomous food production robot produces efficient food delivery, reducing manual and human input and labour. The partnership has created a new in-store market, Fresh & Smart, integrating the robot into retail and driving efficiency with its space-saving technology.

The first of these markets has opened in Düsseldorf Heerdt, where it has made history as a full integration of AI-powered autonomous cooking robots within a supermarket. Plans are already in place for this to expand into more locations, with some locations already under construction.

In recent years, automation has been steadily growing among retailers, whether in their inventory planning or their checkouts. Amazon Fresh stores, for example, rely on apps and sensors to avoid long queue times and manual check-out 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 total.

As automation and AI become more common within retail spaces, consumers and staff are witnessing new levels of cost saving and productivity. The cooking robots are the latest innovation in a line of automated retail experiences. The CA-1 within the REWE stores, according to the REWE team, is set to improve efficiency within stores and meet consumer demand.

“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.”

Optimising efficiency with robotics

The CA-1 Series 4 increases efficiency with the speed of which it prepares and delivers food. 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 enables 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 the food at perfect temperature and freshness
• Food silos which track inventory and ensures optimal storage conditions

By utilising the CA-1, companies can be confident with the 24/7 operations, meaning that food will always be available, without the long waits, even during peak times. Due to compact designs and smart technology, the device is built for optimised space utilisation, both inside and outside.

Within spaces such as airports and supermarkets, it provides a convenient grab-and-go experience. In places like hospitals and hotels, it simplifies high-quality meals, reducing operational costs by 95%, with diverse dietary needs. It also provides a nutritious and affordable option in areas such as schools and universities. 

Robots in retail

The launch of 'Fresh & Smart' blends together established retailer practices with new processes. The autonomous retail integration combines robotics, artificial intelligence and specialised software. With this, customers are now experiencing how new technology and retail can merge together into an exciting prospect.

“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.”

The new partnership could mark a significant step for innovation across the retail sector.