Automated cooking in the supermarket: Robot Circus at REWE

Under the “Fresh & Smart” label, the first fully autonomous cooking robot has gone into operation directly inside a supermarket in Düsseldorf-Heerdt. The project is being implemented by REWE Region West and Circus SE. The CA-1 robot (“Circus Autonomy One”) combines high-tech robotics, artificial intelligence, and food engineering. It automatically controls the entire cooking process, from the ingredients to serving.

• Customers select their dish at a digital ordering terminal, pay, and receive a PIN receipt. Once they enter it, the cooking process begins.
• The CA-1 manages up to 36 chilled ingredients stored in silos, can prepare up to five dishes at once, and automatically cleans its utensils after every use.
• Options range from pasta, soups, and curries to sweet dishes such as porridge. According to media reports, prices vary by dish and fall roughly between €3.50 and just under €7.

According to Circus and REWE, “Fresh & Smart” aims not only for convenience but also for efficiency and sustainability: an AI-driven demand forecast is intended to help avoid overproduction and food waste.

The compact system requires just seven square meters of sales floor. It is space-efficient and can be seamlessly integrated into existing supermarkets.

But it’s not only about practical benefits: for many consumers, the robot is an experience – modern technology, fresh food, and a touch of the future in everyday life.

Building on these advantages, the pilot with the CA-1 is starting in Düsseldorf. In total, three robots are set to be tested across several stores in REWE Region West. During the pilot phase, REWE and Circus will examine how the concept resonates with consumers and whether ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability can be successfully delivered. Depending on the results, Fresh & Smart could become a permanent offering and enhance the shopping experience for many customers. The project also holds potential for a significantly broader rollout in additional markets.

As practical as the robot sounds, some questions remain. How “fresh” are meals when the ingredients come out of silos? How hygienic and sustainable are the packaging and dispensing systems? And will the robot replace human jobs, or simply supplement and support staff? Preparatory tasks, such as chopping vegetables, are still carried out manually.

It also remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace the concept over the long term once the initial wow factor wears off. Food from a vending-style machine may be perceived quite differently from food that comes out of a traditional restaurant kitchen.

With “Fresh & Smart”, REWE demonstrates what the food retail world of tomorrow might look like – faster, more flexible, and more tech-driven. For people who lack the time or inclination to cook, the concept offers a convenient, practical alternative. For tech enthusiasts, the robot provides a fascinating glimpse into the food world of the future.

Sources: Rewe press release October 2025, Rewe press release May 2025, Stores + Shops article