REWE Region West launches “Fresh & Smart”

The future of shopping begins in Düsseldorf-Heerdt: With the introduction of the first autonomous AI robot for meal preparation REWE Region West, together with the German technology company Circus Group, is launching a project that is fundamentally changing the food retail sector. In the first of a total of three pilot stores, customers can now experience how retail, gastronomy and state-of-the-art technology merge to create a unique experience. The next launch will take place in November. The AI robots used are highly developed, autonomous systems that prepare dishes freshly, quickly and with consistent quality. The combination of robotics, artificial intelligence and food-safe hygiene technology makes the so-called CA-1 (Circus Autonomy One) robot a pioneer in its sector. AI-supported demand forecasts also optimize supply and significantly reduce food waste.

With “Fresh and Smart “ a new product segment is opening up that combines speed, freshness and experience, as well as opening up new technological perspectives for the industry. The freshly prepared dishes are available from just €3.50.

Culinary variety for all tastes

The menu includes a selection of internationally inspired bowls: from pasta, soups and curries to desserts such as Kaiserschmarrn or porridge. The modular technology allows the menu to be adapted flexibly: seasonal products can be integrated, customer requests can be taken into account and new recipes can be tested. This makes the cooking robot not only a technical innovation, but also a culinary one.

The ordering process is intuitive: customers choose their dish at the digital ordering terminal, pay and the robot takes over the preparation, visible live. The system heats, roasts and cooks with pinpoint accuracy. Within just a few minutes, a freshly cooked dish of consistently high quality is ready – regardless of the time of day or order volume.

The enclosed design of the robot ensures that ingredients are protected from external influences. Thanks to intelligent sensor technology, the system constantly monitors temperature, process parameters and stock levels. At the same time, it automatically documents compliance with all HACCP standards for food safety and hygiene. REWE is thus sending out a clear signal of reliability and safety.

Innovation with future prospects

With the use of fully autonomous AI robots, we are demonstrating how food retail must think about innovation today: close to the needs of customers, technologically leading and always with the highest quality standards. We combine efficiency with enjoyment and turn shopping into an experience of the future, explains Lars Klein, CEO of REWE Region West.

Both companies are united by the goal of using technology not for its own sake, but to create real added value. For people in the store and in everyday life. While REWE develops shopping into an inspiring experience, Circus’ AI and robotics expertise provides the technological basis.

Our AI robotics technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing retail environments, creating the first real touchpoint with robotics in the everyday lives of end customers, says Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and founder of Circus. “Our goal is to use innovative technologies to create a greatly improved offering – high-quality nutrition with unbeatable value for money.“

Fresh & Smart thus demonstrates the potential of combining AI, robotics and customer experience and what innovation in food retail can look like. The fully autonomous AI robot turns the store into a place of discovery – setting a strong example for the future of shopping.