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Meta Installs Circus CA-1 Robot Cook in Munich as Startup Accelerates Rollout

The AI‑guided unit signals a broader commercialization push with upcoming retail pilots, published economics, initial institutional orders.

Overview

  • Circus SE’s CA‑1 is now preparing meals in Meta’s Munich office, taking orders by touch or voice, cooking with robotic arms on induction hobs, and washing cookware before QR‑code pickup.
  • Meta’s Llama and Maverick models power flexible recipe selection with plans for personalized suggestions based on fitness and health data shared by users.
  • Three CA‑1 units are slated for an eight‑month test in REWE West stores to assess real‑world operations, performance, and customer satisfaction.
  • Circus discloses a €250,000 purchase price and about €10,000 per month in software and AI licensing, estimating break‑even at roughly 100 daily meals near €7 with a throughput of 70–100 per hour.
  • The company reports orders from hospitals, Berlin’s airport, care homes, and a carmaker, a framework agreement with Mangal Döner for 500 units, a rugged CA‑M military variant, and listing for NATO and U.S. government procurement.