In the era of Uber Eats and DoorDash, the humble task of picking up takeout has become increasingly complicated. Misplaced orders, incorrect names, and long wait times have become all too common. However, Chicago-based hardware startup PickPad is poised to change the game with its innovative smart pad technology, unveiled at CES 2025.

The PickPad system consists of a small, modular platform where restaurants place food and beverages when ready for pickup. The device connects directly to the restaurant's point-of-sale (P.O.S.) system, automatically inputting customer names onto the base. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for manual name writing, reducing errors and wait times.

Founder and CEO Yaro Tsyhanenko revealed that the system will be offered as a hardware-as-a-service (HaaS) package, priced between $9 and $19 per month per pad, depending on the number of pads adopted and the payment frequency. This comprehensive package includes support, software, and everything else a restaurant needs to get the system up and running.

Currently, the production cost of each pad stands at around $100, but Tsyhanenko expects this cost to decrease significantly as the company scales its manufacturing efforts. Furthermore, PickPad is exploring the development of full shelves that can easily slot into an Ikea bookcase, creating an automated cubbyhole system for order pickup.

The startup is currently piloting the technology with a Chicago-based café, with plans to expand to more locations in the near future. If successful, PickPad's innovative solution could revolutionize the takeout industry, providing a seamless and efficient experience for both restaurants and customers.

The implications of PickPad's technology extend beyond the takeout industry, with potential applications in retail, logistics, and beyond. As the company continues to refine its product and expand its reach, it will be interesting to see how this technology shapes the future of order pickup and delivery.

In a crowded startup landscape, PickPad's innovative solution and scalable business model make it an exciting player to watch in the coming years. With its debut at CES 2025, the company has set the stage for a transformative impact on the takeout industry and beyond.