Circus SE, a global leader in AI software and robotics for the food service industry, has been honored with one of the most coveted international accolades in design—the Red Dot Award in the “Best of the Best” category. This top-tier recognition, reserved for the most innovative and forward-thinking industrial designs each year, is a powerful endorsement of Circus SE’s commitment to excellence at the intersection of robotics, technology, and human-centered design.
A Symbol of Design Excellence
The Red Dot Design Award, established in 1955, is one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions. It recognizes the highest levels of innovation, aesthetics, and usability across a wide range of industries. Winning in the “Best of the Best” category—its highest tier—is a rare distinction shared by design giants such as Apple, Google, and Ferrari. Now, Circus SE joins this elite group with the recognition of its CA-1 Series 4 robot, a system designed to transform the way robotics serve in real-world environments.
Honoring the CA-1: A Market-Ready Innovation
The CA-1 was selected for the Red Dot Award under the “Ready for Market” category, a segment of the competition specifically reserved for innovations that are fully designed, engineered, and prepared for commercial deployment. This category reflects the product’s readiness to transition from concept to practical use at scale. With serial production already in motion and commercial rollout slated for the fall, the CA-1 Series 4 exemplifies readiness for real-world impact.
The award not only recognizes the product’s visual appeal and functional design but also validates its market viability—a crucial marker for technologies aiming to integrate seamlessly into everyday human spaces.
Global Showcase at Red Dot Design Museum
In addition to the formal recognition, the CA-1 will be showcased at the upcoming Red Dot Winner Exhibition, which will be held at the Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore this October. This event draws global attention from leading designers, technologists, and innovators. The CA-1’s display at the museum will give visitors a close look at a robotics solution designed with both elegance and function in mind.
“This award is a powerful validation of the vision and discipline that went into the CA-1,” said Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and Founder of Circus SE. “We always wanted to build a system that people trust, understand, and enjoy interacting with – something truly designed for everyday life.”
Design Philosophy Rooted in Human Experience
At the heart of the CA-1’s success is its groundbreaking design—an achievement born from close collaboration between Circus SE and renowned German industrial designer Mario Selic. With a portfolio that includes projects with major companies like Siemens, Bosch, and KUKA, Selic brought decades of design expertise in robotics and advanced consumer technology to the table.
“From the early sketches, the ambition was to create something radically functional yet architecturally clear – a robotic system that integrates seamlessly into human spaces,” said Selic. “We were inspired by Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, the classic curves of the Airstream trailer, and the timeless simplicity of Bauhaus principles—clean geometry, minimalism, and a form that blends into its surroundings while subtly enhancing them.”
This aesthetic philosophy—robotics as both utility and quiet companion—is a defining trait of the CA-1. Rather than presenting the system as an imposing machine, Circus SE and Selic aimed to create a design that disappears into the environment, creating comfort and trust for users and customers alike.
Engineering the Vision into Reality
While the conceptual design set a compelling foundation, it was the meticulous engineering led by Circus SE’s internal teams that brought the product to life. Gustavo Kemmerich, Head of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design at Circus SE, played a central role in translating the vision into a manufacturable reality.
“CA-1 began with a strong conceptual foundation, and throughout the design maturation, we remained committed to preserving the original design intent,” said Kemmerich. “We wanted to develop an autonomous product that feels effortless – for the operator, the environment, and the customer.”
From selecting the right materials and components to ensuring manufacturability and durability at scale, Kemmerich’s team ensured that the CA-1 not only looked elegant but also performed flawlessly in complex, real-world scenarios such as high-demand food service environments.
Shaping the Future of Human-Robot Interaction
The CA-1 Series 4 represents more than just a breakthrough in industrial design; it symbolizes a new frontier in how robotic systems are conceived, built, and deployed to support human activity. Circus SE has positioned itself not just as a tech innovator but as a design-driven organization that prioritizes the user experience at every level.
With this recognition, Circus SE demonstrates that robotics does not have to be cold, utilitarian, or intimidating. Through thoughtful design and engineering, robots can become intuitive, elegant, and trusted parts of the environments they serve.
By winning the Red Dot “Best of the Best,” Circus SE solidifies its position among the world’s most respected design-forward technology companies. It is also a signpost for the broader industry—a clear indication that the future of robotics must be as much about design and human engagement as it is about performance and efficiency.
