Circus SE’s CA-M robot is designed to prepare and serve meals for military personnel in high-risk or remote environments, without the need for human kitchen staff. Using artificial intelligence and robotics, the system automates the entire process—from selecting ingredients and cooking to packaging and delivering meals—allowing soldiers to focus on critical operations rather than logistics.
To support the rollout of this technology, Circus SE has secured a EUR 2 million research and development grant from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The funding, part of an annual government program, will help accelerate development of the CA-M robot and expand the company’s capabilities in the defense sector.
The CA-M is built on the same platform as Circus’ commercial robot, the CA-1, but modified for use in defense settings. The system is designed to function autonomously in mission environments, where reliable and consistent meal preparation is essential but staffing may be limited. By automating kitchen tasks, the robot can reduce the need for manual labor and increase operational efficiency in the field.
Circus plans to use the funding to expand its engineering teams focused on defense and to strengthen its recently launched Defense Unit. According to CFO Fabian Becker, the grant will speed up both development and deployment of the CA-M system. The support also aligns with the German government’s broader strategy to promote AI and robotics as technologies of national interest.
