AI in the Kitchen: Hamburg Start-Up and Meta Launch Cooking Robot

Two robotic arms, seven square meters of space, one menu to choose from – apparently, that’s all it takes for a hot meal.

The new cooking robot CA-1, developed by Hamburg-based start-up Circus in cooperation with Meta, prepares dishes entirely on its own. Whether pasta, lentils, or salad: ingredients are automatically measured, cooked, and plated and the robot arms even take care of the dreaded dishwashing.

AI in the kitchen

Behind the CA-1 system works a whole series of AI agents that monitor temperature, cooking time, and maintenance. Meta’s language and AI model Llama ensures smooth operation. Only the ingredient refilling remains a human task, everything else runs automatically. According to Circus, this can reduce labor costs by up to 95%.

System gastronomy sees opportunity

The German Association for System Gastronomy views the technology not as a threat but as a relief: standardized processes, consistent quality, and more efficient workflows could make daily operations easier. For canteens, cafeterias, and hospitals — often struggling with staff shortages and tight budgets — the concept is especially appealing. Still, questions remain about what automation might mean for jobs in the long term. Each unit costs around €250,000, but Circus says the investment pays off.

Safe, clean & offline

When it comes to food, safety is key. Concerns about potential hacker attacks, however, are unfounded: the cooking robot operates entirely offline and is therefore protected from digital access. Cooling, hygiene, and portioning follow strict standards. All ingredients are kept between four and six degrees Celsius, and the cooking process is fully monitored. This ensures that every dish is consistently clean, safe, and flawlessly prepared.

The kitchens of the future?

Whether in canteens or perhaps one day at home, the CA-1 shows how far automation in gastronomy has already come. What still feels new today could soon be standard in large-scale kitchens.

Yet alongside curiosity comes a hint of concern: will robots truly just support human workers — or eventually replace them?

Photo via Circus Group Media Kit