Zebra Technologies Enhances Retail Frontline with AI-Powered Solutions

Zebra Technologies Corporation, a global leader in digitizing and automating workflows for intelligent operations, is set to spotlight its latest AI-driven hardware, software, and services at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show. The company will present its advanced retail solutions from January 11–13, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, reinforcing its commitment to transforming frontline retail operations through innovation.

As retailers continue to navigate an increasingly competitive and experience-driven market, they are under pressure to exceed customer expectations while eliminating operational bottlenecks. According to Zebra’s 2025 Global Shopper Study, nearly 80% of consumers now expect seamless and connected shopping experiences across both digital and physical channels. At the same time, 89% of frontline associates believe they could deliver better service with access to advanced technology. Against this backdrop, Zebra’s presence at NRF 2026 highlights how AI, automation, and real-time data capture can work together to empower retail teams.

At the center of Zebra’s showcase are the newly introduced TC501 and TC701 handheld mobile computers. These ultra-rugged, AI-native devices mark several industry firsts, including the first AMOLED display designed for enterprise use. This display delivers brighter visuals, improved power efficiency, and a lighter form factor. Additionally, the devices feature the industry’s first scan engine with color imaging, enabling faster and more accurate data capture across a wide range of surfaces.

Powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 processors, the TC501 and TC701 support next-generation Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity, ensuring reliable performance and enhanced location awareness for frontline workers. Furthermore, by leveraging UHF RFID and Impinj Gen2x extensions, these devices provide stronger data visibility and security, even in demanding enterprise environments.

The intelligence behind these devices is driven by Zebra’s Frontline AI Suite, which consists of three key pillars. First, Frontline AI Enablers provide on-device AI models and APIs that allow developers to build smarter applications. By processing data at the point of capture such as recognizing products, reading text, or scanning multiple barcodes simultaneously these enablers reduce latency and support faster, more accurate decision-making.

Next, Frontline AI Blueprints bring automation to complex retail workflows. These pre-built templates combine computer vision, voice recognition, and sensor data with predefined business logic to automate tasks such as shelf merchandising, proof of delivery, material receiving, and voice-guided assistance. As a result, retailers can reduce errors, improve efficiency, and allow associates to focus more on customer engagement.

The third pillar, Zebra Companion, continues to evolve following its introduction at last year’s NRF event. Its GenAI-powered Knowledge and Sales agents are already in use by leading retailers, helping associates access on-demand expertise, product information, and sales coaching through a natural language interface.

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“For years, we’ve been embedding AI into our hardware and software, 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 to digitize and automate workflows for our customers.”

Beyond AI-driven devices, Zebra will also demonstrate several additional innovations at NRF 2026. These include ShareCradle, a modular charging system designed to simplify device management; the SP20 Single-Plane Scanner, which accelerates checkout with a wider field of view; and Salesforce Retail Cloud POS, developed in collaboration with Salesforce to deliver personalized service through Android-based point-of-sale systems.

Moreover, Zebra will highlight its Device Rental Service, offering retailers a flexible way to scale operations during peak seasons, along with enhanced Zebra Workcloud Sync and Task Management capabilities. Rounding out the showcase is the ET401 Enterprise Tablet, featuring the world’s first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated RFID, enabling faster item location, real-time inventory updates, and fewer out-of-stock scenarios.

Through these innovations, Zebra continues to position itself as a key enabler of smarter, more connected, and AI-powered retail operations.

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