Khaberni - The REWE store in Dusseldorf, Germany, experienced an amazing futuristic trial in the food retail sector, where customers can now order fresh meals fully prepared by a self-operating robotic kitchen without the need for any human chef.
Circus SE, headquartered in Munich, launched the CA-1 Series 4 system within the REWE Region West "Fresh & Smart" concept, which is the first global integration of AI-powered cooking robots directly inside a supermarket, according to the "Interesting Engineering" report.
The small robotic kitchen, surrounded by glass, autonomously completes all stages of meal preparation, from gathering ingredients to cooking, serving, and even cleaning. The system can prepare up to 120 meals per hour, starting at 6 euros per meal, all while maintaining consistent quality without downtime or human error.
Lars Klein, CEO of REWE Region West stated, "We combine efficiency and enjoyment to transform the shopping experience into a futuristic one."
The CA-1 Series 4 is a lighter and faster version than previous models, with smart sensors that monitor ingredients and adapt to the type of meal in real time, in addition to the system's ability to self-clean and sterilize equipment automatically. All this occurs behind a transparent panel, allowing customers to watch the twin robotic arms move with synchronized precision during food preparation.
This collaboration puts REWE, one of the largest retail chains in Europe, at the forefront of smart supermarkets, where Circus provides full operation of the robots, while REWE offers the infrastructure and retail spaces.
The CA-1 System exemplifies how artificial intelligence can be used to meet immediate demand, while reducing food waste, through predictive algorithms that prepare only what is necessary. Customers interact with the system via touch screens or a voice interface, while AI handles the rest of the preparation process.
Dusseldorf is the first site among three pilot locations, with preparations underway for launching the second site, and exploring future applications in dense environments such as hospitals, universities, and factories, including meal preparations for soldiers in the field as part of a partnership with the Ukrainian BRAVE1 defense technology program.
The system allows customers to enjoy meals meticulously prepared by a robotic "chef" that never tires or gets sick, elevating the level of automation in the food retail sector and keeping pace with future transformations in the food industry.
