DoorDash: Smart Scale Weighing System
Our Solution
How we helped convert a weighing scale to a Smart IoT system
The Result
A product that enabled NEXA to enter the food delivery industry.
Services
Concept Development
Enclosure Design
Prototype Engineering
Materials Selection
Design for Manufacturing
The Story
Converting a legacy device into a modern data capturing system.
NEXA is an emerging force in enterprise mobility, combining telecom services with custom Android hardware. As an Android Enterprise Gold Partner, NEXA supports organizations that need device fleets to remain reliable, manageable, and available far beyond standard consumer refresh cycles. Their model provides long-term inventory stability, predictable hardware availability, and tailored support that works especially well for specialized operational environments.
DoorDash, one of the largest on demand logistics and food delivery platforms in North America, has been expanding its technology footprint inside merchant kitchens. The company increasingly depends on real time operational data to improve order accuracy, reduce food waste, and streamline fulfillment. As part of this push, DoorDash wanted an IoT enabled smart scale that could track the exact quantity of food placed into each container. This allows merchants to ship accurate portions which reduces loss and ensures consistency for end customers. It also enables performance tracking for operators and creates visibility for continuous improvement.
DoorDash had already created an internal version of the smart scale. NEXA’s role was to supply an embedded tablet that could run the workflow interface, receive data from the scale, and function within demanding kitchen environments. The T80 8 inch Android tablet from NEXA’s inventory was selected as the anchor device. Bang Design was tasked with designing a permanent, secure, food safe integration that prevented unauthorized removal of the tablet while maintaining usability and durability.
The integration had to solve several practical constraints inside a commercial kitchen
1. Tablet Security
The T80 could not be removable by operators or unauthorized staff. Physical extraction or tampering had to be prevented at the mechanical level.
2. Food Safety
DoorDash’s system operates near food preparation areas. No gaps, crevices, or joints could trap food particles, oils, or liquids. The enclosure needed to be simple, wipe friendly, and sanitary.
3. Reliable Power and Data Connectivity
The T80 had to receive both power and scale signals without allowing exposed wiring or accidental disconnection.
4. Adjustable Viewing for Operators
Users needed to tilt the screen for optimal visibility, especially during peak kitchen activity.
5. Rugged Integration with the Scale Body
The assembly had to be robust enough to endure constant use, vibration, impacts, and cleaning procedures.
A Purpose Built Skin for the T80 Tablet
We created a fully custom outer skin that enveloped the T80 and formed a seamless barrier against debris and liquids. The geometry was deliberately smooth, with radiused transitions and no crevices where food could lodge. This preserved hygiene while also providing a clean industrial aesthetic.
Tamper Resistant Power and Signal Pathway
Inside the skin, we designed a wired connection to the T80’s USB port that could not be accessed or unplugged without removing the entire assembly.
The wiring exited into a compact rear hub which consolidated:
- Power input for the tablet
- Signal input from the scale
This ensured a fully enclosed, fool proof connection architecture that operators could not manipulate.
A Secure Structural Mounting Platform
The enclosed T80 and rear hub were mounted to a custom metal plate that attached to the underside of the weighing scale. The plate created a rigid mechanical spine for the system and eliminated the possibility of forced removal.
Operator Friendly Screen Adjustability
We integrated a friction hinge along the mounting interface. This allowed workers to tilt the tablet to a comfortable angle regardless of their height or position, supporting readability and reducing strain during long shifts.
Close Coordination with DoorDash and NEXA
Throughout development we synced continuously with DoorDash’s product management team and NEXA’s manufacturing partners. This ensured that the food safe requirements, integration constraints, and long lifecycle manufacturing needs were captured accurately and preserved from prototype to production.
THE RESULT
A Production-Ready Smart Scale Platform for High-Volume Food Operations
The final solution delivered a tightly integrated, rugged, and sanitary smart scale interface that advanced DoorDash’s operational goals.
The system:
- Prevents removal of the T80 tablet through a sealed, tamper resistant enclosure
- Maintains strict food safe geometry suitable for commercial kitchens
- Ensures reliable data and power connection through the internal wiring architecture
- Provides adjustable screen visibility for operators
- Mounts securely to the scale without compromising stability or cleaning procedures
Our work enabled NEXA to present a turnkey solution to DoorDash and strengthened their position within the rapidly growing food delivery and restaurant technology market.