Circus SE, a developer of AI robotics for autonomous nutrition systems, has announced the start and launch of “Fresh & Smart”, a new segment by REWE Region West, powered by Circus’ autonomous AI Robotics system CA-1.
REWE Region West, the regional branch of the REWE Group responsible for western Germany, is among the global launch partners of the CA-1 Series 4, positioning REWE as a global frontrunner for in-store automation and food innovation.
The REWE Group is one of Europe’s largest retail organizations with over 16,000 locations across Europe.
The first “Fresh & Smart” location opens today in Düsseldorf Heerdt, marking the world’s first integration of AI-powered autonomous cooking robotics inside a supermarket. Additional locations are already in planning and under construction.
Customers can now experience freshly prepared, restaurant-quality meals prepared live and on-demand by Circus’ CA-1 Series 4, the company’s first serially produced autonomous cooking robot. Main dishes are available from €6 and accessible to all customers in-store.
The launch introduces a new era of autonomous retail integration, combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and software. The CA-1 platform autonomously prepares meals with consistent quality and precision, leveraging predictive models to optimize demand, ensure efficiency, and minimize food waste.
Lars Klein, chairman of REWE Region West, says: “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.
“We combine efficiency with enjoyment – turning grocery shopping into an experience of the future.”
Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and founder of Circus, says: “Our launch with REWE marks the first real-world deployment of physical AI applied in retail environments.
“With ‘Fresh & Smart,’ autonomous robotics becomes part of everyday life – enabling fresh, high-quality food access through technology that’s both scalable and sustainable.”
Customers can now experience how retail, and cutting-edge technology merge into a unique experience. This first launch marks one of three pilot locations, with the next to follow in just a few days.
