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Zebra Technologies is demonstrating its comprehensive strategy to transform retail frontline operations with advanced, integrated AI. The company is introducing new AI-native hardware and showcasing its expanded Frontline AI Suite, all designed to address operational inefficiencies and empower associates to meet rising consumer expectations for seamless, connected experiences.
Zebra Technologies unveils the TC501 and TC701, ultra-rugged, AI-native handheld mobile computers with industry-first AMOLED displays and color imaging scan engines.
The devices are powered by Zebra’s Frontline AI Suite, comprising AI Enablers for on-device processing, AI Blueprints for automated workflows, and the Zebra Companion GenAI agent.
New solutions include the modular ShareCradle charging system, the SP20 Single-Plane Scanner for SMBs, and an Android-based Salesforce Retail Cloud POS.
A new Device Rental Service offers short-term access to hardware, providing flexibility for seasonal demand or special events.
Enhancements to the Workcloud Sync platform add AI-powered task management and multilingual chat translation for frontline teams.
Zebra’s 2025 Global Shopper Study indicates 89% of associates believe advanced technology would help them serve customers better.
Zebra’s new TC501 and TC701 handheld computers are engineered for the intelligent frontline. They feature the industry’s first AMOLED display for better visibility and power efficiency, alongside a first-of-its-kind color imaging scan engine for faster, more accurate data capture. Powered by Qualcomm® Dragonwing™ processors with Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity, these devices provide the robust, connected foundation required for real-time AI applications and advanced data visibility using UHF RFID.
The intelligence for these solutions is delivered through Zebra’s structured Frontline AI Suite. Frontline AI Enablers provide the core on-device AI models for data processing, reducing latency. Frontline AI Blueprints combine these enablers into pre-built templates to automate complex, multi-step workflows like shelf merchandising. Completing the suite is Zebra Companion, a generative AI-driven agent that provides associates with on-demand sales coaching and procedural knowledge through a natural language interface.
Beyond core AI, Zebra is showcasing a range of solutions targeting specific retail pain points. These include the modular ShareCradle charging system, the compact SP20 scanner for small to medium businesses, and a collaborative Salesforce Retail Cloud POS solution. Notably, the new Device Rental Service allows retailers to scale hardware deployment flexibly for peak seasons. Enhanced Workcloud Sync and Task Management tools now feature AI-powered tasking and real-time multilingual translation to improve frontline communication.
Zebra’s showcase at NRF 2026 underscores a clear vision: to move beyond isolated devices toward a fully integrated, AI-powered ecosystem for the retail frontline. By combining intelligent hardware, layered AI software, and flexible services, Zebra is providing the tools for retailers to automate workflows, empower their associates with real-time data and guidance, and ultimately deliver on the demand for intelligent, seamless operations.
About Zebra Technologies
Zebra provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions powered by AI. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what’s next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day.
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