Europe's First Robot Chef Prepares 120 Dishes Per Hour

Customers at the REWE supermarket in Düsseldorf, Germany, are now witnessing what can be called the future of grocery retail, as reported by Interesting Engineering. The fully autonomous kitchen operates directly in the sales area, preparing fresh meals without human intervention. The CA-1 Series 4 system, developed by Circus SE based in Munich, is the world's first kitchen that is completely automated with the help of artificial intelligence.

The compact kitchen, housed in a transparent glass structure, carries out all steps of meal preparation, from selecting ingredients to the finished dish, including subsequent cleaning of the equipment. The system is controlled by Circus's own artificial intelligence platform and represents significant progress in the automation of retail and culinary services.

Customers can now order restaurant-quality food directly at the store. Portions start at six euros, and the cooking process takes just a few minutes. According to the developers, the robot can prepare up to 120 dishes per hour, ensuring consistent quality without the need for breaks.

“We combine efficiency with enjoyment, transforming shopping into a future experience,” says Lars Klein, president of REWE's West region council. The new version of the CA-1 is lighter and faster than its predecessors; engineers have reduced its weight by nearly 450 kilograms, equipped the system with magnetic handles, and improved the induction heating system for precise cooking.

Sensors detect the type of dish and automatically adjust the mixing speed. Between orders, the robot independently washes and sanitizes the dishes with an integrated dishwasher. All operations occur behind a transparent panel, where two mechanical