Circus SE and REWE Region West have initiated an exclusive national pilot partnership to test the integration of fully autonomous cooking robots in grocery retail environments. The pilot program, set to begin in fall 2025, will involve the deployment of the CA-1 robotic system across three REWE supermarkets in western Germany.
The project marks the first time autonomous food preparation technology will be tested within a supermarket setting. Under the agreement, Circus SE will supply three CA-1 robots along with the full Circus Software Suite, which includes ordering terminals, kitchen production controls, and AI-based operational management tools.
The eight-month trial will evaluate various performance metrics, including customer feedback, technical reliability, and integration into daily store operations. REWE and Circus will operate the system jointly during this period, with plans to assess the potential for long-term collaboration based on the pilot’s results.
Circus SE will serve as the sole provider of robotic food service technology for REWE during the trial. The project also includes employee training and marketing initiatives as part of the operational rollout.
Circus SE, headquartered in Germany, develops AI software and robotics for the food service industry, focusing on automation and operational efficiency. REWE Group is a retail and tourism conglomerate with operations in over 20 countries and a strong presence in Germany through its REWE, PENNY, and Nahkauf brands. The REWE Region West division operates primarily in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate.
