Germany: Rewe to trial “cooking robots”

German supermarket chain Rewe is set to trial an in-store system that utilizes autonomous “cooking robots” to prepare fresh meals for consumers, according to an ESM report.

Reportedly claimed as a world first, the innovation is said to stem from a partnership with AI robotics and software firm Circus SE. Beginning in autumn 2025, three stores will host the equipment, alongside Circus’s AI-driven software suite for ordering, production control, and store-level operational management. The success of the scheme will be assessed through customer satisfaction, technical reliability and practical efficiency.

Commenting on the move, Rewe Region West CEO Lars Klein commented: “The combination of state-of-the-art robotics and our customer focus is an exciting step toward a future-oriented, sustainable shopping experience. The focus is on acceptance, customer feedback, and experiences from everyday store operations”.

Circus SE CEO Nikolas Bullwinkel added: “This partnership is a milestone, not only for Circus but for the entire retail industry. For the first time, customers in the supermarket will experience freshly prepared meals cooked completely by autonomous robotics. We are proud to implement this ‘world first’ together with REWE Region West and look forward to everything that comes next”.”

Source: ESM