Zebra Technologies Corporation has announced several new products and AI innovations for the retail industry.
Zebra is unveiling the Zebra Mobile Computing AI Suite, a comprehensive set of tools that includes an AI data capture software development kit (SDK) and example applications optimised for select Zebra Android mobile devices. This suite facilitates the development of AI applications, enabling customers, developers, and independent software vendors (ISV) to easily integrate AI capabilities into their mobile applications.
Zebra has leveraged these AI capabilities to enable frontline workers to easily, accurately and quickly capture workflow context and integrate that directly to Zebra Companion, a new and comprehensive suite of AI agents specifically designed to empower retail frontline workers. This multimodal generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solution is being developed in collaboration with select customers to work with frontline retail workers to improve productivity and elevate the customer experience.
Zebra Companion provides frontline workers instant access to critical information and troubleshooting assistance as they prioritise and execute routine and issue-prompted tasks. Zebra is committed to customers’ data privacy and ethical AI practices to ensure the secure and responsible use of AI technology. Zebra Companion is available starting in the second quarter of 2025 to select customers and requires admission to the early access pilot programme. The suite includes:
- Knowledge agent that offers the ability to conversationally interact with job aids and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to facilitate faster onboarding, giving associates the information they need when they need it.
- Sales agent that assists with product-related questions, real-time queries on product availability and pricing as well as cross-sell and upsell recommendations for associates during customer interactions.
- Zebra Device agent that ensures optimal usage and maintenance of Zebra devices by providing troubleshooting and contextual data integrations, reducing device downtime so retail operations are not disrupted.
- Merchandising agent that combines advanced on-device image recognition technology to assess shelf health and augment workflows for frontline teams to address merchandising issues, such as shelf gaps, misplacements and planograming issues, and inaccurate pricing and signage.
“For years, we’ve been embedding AI into our products, elevating outcomes for our customers and partners,” said Yogesh Kulkarni, Vice President, AI Strategy, Zebra Technologies. “Our AI-enabled solutions are shaping the future of frontline operations by creating new ways of working. We’re proud to collaborate with our extensive partner community and customers to enhance our AI and GenAI capabilities to automate workflows, streamline processes and boost efficiency, making work easier every day.”
In addition to the Mobile Computing AI Suite and Zebra Companion, Zebra is introducing several other solutions aimed at transforming retail operations including:
Zebra Workcloud Sync: Frontline teams can leverage communication features in a single application to collaborate better and improve productivity in stores. Workcloud Sync allows team members to connect one-on-one or in a group with colleagues and customers in their preferred language via push-to-talk, Wi-Fi voice and video calling, multimedia messaging, to-dos, and forums. Frontline workers can also access AI capabilities in Workcloud Sync via Zebra Companion’s Knowledge agent.
Zebra Dimensioning Mobile Parcel: This software solution enables ‘one-shot’ dimensioning of most parcels in under five seconds. The camera and time of flight sensor in select Zebra mobile computers work together with AI and Zebra’s proprietary algorithms to virtually reconstruct and measure cubed and irregularly shaped items. This helps retail associates speed up the process of preparing items for shipment.
Zebra EM45 RFID Enterprise Mobile: Mobile computing and precision-RFID read capabilities come together in this smartphone-like device that can be individually assigned. Featuring an AI-ready platform with Zebra DNA, the EM45 offers a modern user experience and privacy without compromising security. As a result, customers can put the power of Zebra in their pockets, removing the need to carry multiple devices to assist colleagues or customers, monitor operational performance, or optimise inventory.
Zebra MC3400 and MC3450 mobile computers: These devices are available in two form factors that can be configured for retail use cases including front-of-store restocking, back-of-store inventory management and faster ecommerce order fulfillment.
Zebra Kiosk System: This highly flexible, modular solution can be configured in different ways to give shoppers more self-service options and help retailers generate new revenue streams. Peripherals can be added to this interactive system to turn it into a loyalty signup, self-checkout, returns, deli ordering, or check-in station for shoppers or a digital signage solution for highly targeted retail media networks.
Zebra’s solutions will be showcased in booth #3303 from 12 to 14 January 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.