Circle SE robot lands in REWE Düsseldorf store to serve shoppers freshly cooked meals on demand

Circus Group’s CA-1 robot, pitched as the first ever AI robot for fully autonomous meal production, is about to go live in a REWE store in Germany.

In a LinkedIn post, Nikolas Bullwinkel, Founder and CEO at Circus SE, said: “Our CA-1 robot has landed. Installation at first REWE location in full progress - only days left until launch. Starting in Düsseldorf.”

He added: “For the first time ever, autonomous AI robots will operate inside retail stores to serve customers freshly cooked meals on demand. Fully integrated into your daily shopping experience.”

“Designed to create the very first robotic touchpoint in our everyday lives and make high quality meals affordable and accessible within minutes. Around the clock. Imagine a private chef for everyone! Anytime.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Autonomous retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.