Last week, they presented CircusOne of the first startups in Europe for AI-controlled cooking and serving robots, CA-1 is now offering freshly prepared bowls in supermarkets. The first "Fresh & Smart" station opened at a Rewe supermarket in Düsseldorf and is now serving freshly prepared dishes. The autonomous robot CA-1 puts robotics at the service of everyday life – and that begins at the dinner table.
But Circus isn't just about culinary automation; it's about providing supplies under extreme conditions. The company is increasingly positioning itself as a deep-tech player with a focus on defense and security applications. The Munich-based startup is thus transferring its experience in civilian robotics to a field that relies on efficiency and reliability in crises and conflicts.
Nikolas Bullwinkel, founder and CEO of Circus, explains:
“We are not just automating troop feeding – we are redefining how critical missions are supplied, supported and sustained.”
Serving robots in defensive operations
With the new CA-M system, Circus presents an autonomous, AI-supported supply system that can supply troops in remote areas or mobile operations.
Bullwinkel explains:
"With our autonomous, AI-controlled supply systems, we deliver reliable infrastructure even under extreme conditions – from remote bases to mobile operations centers."
The move into the defense sector is no coincidence. In recent months, Circus secured six new patents covering key technologies in the field of mobile robotics. Simultaneously, the company received approval for... NATO Support and Procurement Agency – a milestone that opens access to international procurement programs. Furthermore, the company is expanding its presence in Ukraine to test and maintain its systems there in real-world operating environments.
This establishes the startup as a dual-use provider: a company whose technology is used in both civilian and military contexts.
Munich as an ideal location for deep tech and defense
That Circus moved its headquarters to Munich in the middle of the year was far more than an organizational step – it was a conscious strategic positioning, says Bullwinkel:
"With the arrival of OpenAI, NVIDIA and other global tech leaders, Munich is becoming one of the few places worldwide where cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship and excellent engineering come together."
Munich is considered one of Europe's leading locations for robotics, artificial intelligence, and deep-tech development. Research institutions, industry partners, and investors form the interface where companies like Circus can grow.
As a newcomer to Munich's startup scene, Circus aims to leverage this momentum while simultaneously setting its own trends. The planned production line for the CA-M is slated to launch by 2026, creating capacity for up to 10,000 units annually. Munich will thus become not only a hub but also a symbol of the fusion of civilian innovation and... safety-relevant technology.
