Circus SE and REWE Region West launch pilot partnership involving deployment of CA-1 cooking robots

Circus SE, a specialist in AI software and robotics for the food service industry, has announced an exclusive pilot partnership with REWE Markt, West Regional Branch.

This will see the autonomous cooking robot CA-1 being deployed in several REWE supermarkets in Germany, together with the cloud-based Circus Software Suite. The pilot will begin during the autumn and is pitched as the world’s first integration of autonomous food production in grocery retail.

Under the agreement, REWE Region West will receive three CA-1 units along with a software package that includes ordering systems, kitchen control, and AI driven production management. The eight-month pilot phase includes joint operations, training, marketing activities, and a performance evaluation based on customer satisfaction, technical performance, and operational feasibility.

“The combination of cutting-edge robotics and our customer focus is an exciting step toward a forward looking, sustainable shopping experience,” says Lars Klein, Chairman of the Management Board, REWE Region West. “We are especially focused on acceptance, customer feedback, and real-world operational insights.”

“This partnership is a milestone not only for Circus but for the entire retail sector,” says Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO at Circus SE. “For the first time, customers will experience freshly prepared meals in supermarkets that are cooked entirely autonomously by robots. We are proud to bring this world first to life together with REWE and look forward to what lies ahead.”

During the eight-month pilot phase, Circus will serve as the exclusive provider of AI powered food robotics in REWE stores. The outcome of the pilot will serve as the basis for a potential extended collaboration between the two companies.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.