Zebra Technologies showcased a suite of AI‑enabled hardware, software, and services at the National Retail Federation’s 2026 Retail Big Show in New York City, which runs from January 11 to 13.
The company introduced the TC501 and TC701 handheld mobile computers, the first in the industry to combine a Qualcomm® Dragonwing™ Q‑6690 processor with Wi‑Fi 7, 5G, and integrated UHF RFID. The devices feature an AMOLED display, color imaging, and a new scan engine that supports both barcode and RFID capture, positioning Zebra as a single‑vendor solution for fast, accurate data capture in retail environments.
Zebra’s Frontline AI Suite, unveiled at the event, delivers on‑device AI models and APIs that enable real‑time product recognition, text reading, and barcode scanning. The suite also includes AI blueprints that automate complex workflows such as shelf merchandising, proof of delivery, and voice‑guided assistance. The Zebra Companion, a GenAI‑driven agent, provides on‑hand sales coaching and procedural knowledge to frontline associates, illustrating the company’s focus on AI‑driven productivity gains.
Additional solutions demonstrated include the ShareCradle modular charging system, the SP20 single‑plane scanner, and a Salesforce Retail Cloud POS integration that brings Zebra’s intelligent Android devices into the Salesforce ecosystem. Zebra also announced a device‑rental service that allows retailers to lease hardware for seasonal peaks, further expanding recurring revenue streams and reinforcing its transition from a barcode printer to a full‑stack enterprise asset‑intelligence platform.
Management emphasized the strategic importance of these innovations. Yogesh Kulkarni, Vice President of AI Strategy, said, “Our AI‑enabled solutions are shaping the future of frontline operations by creating new ways of working.” Joe White, Chief Product & Solutions Officer, added, “The partnership with Salesforce marks an exciting chapter in retail innovation, enabling retailers to better connect with customers and associates.” Nitin Mangtani, Senior Vice President of Salesforce Commerce and Retail Cloud, noted, “By combining Salesforce’s Retail Cloud POS, Zebra’s devices, and Google’s Android, we empower store associates with AI‑powered insights for enhanced productivity.”
Zebra’s recent financial performance underscores the company’s ability to monetize its AI platform. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, earnings per share rose 34.78% to $9.92, while 2024 revenue increased 8.66% to $4.98 billion. The launch of the Qualcomm Dragonwing Q‑6690, the first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID, reflects Zebra’s commitment to leading the market in AI‑enabled, high‑performance hardware that drives its broader asset‑intelligence strategy.
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