Zebra Unveils AI-Native Devices to Reshape the Retail Frontline

NEW YORK, NY – January 09, 2026 – As the retail industry converges on New York for NRF 2026, a clear theme is emerging: the era of experimental AI is over, replaced by a demand for practical, embedded intelligence that delivers tangible returns. Answering this call, Zebra Technologies has announced a major offensive to reshape frontline operations with a new generation of AI-native hardware and a comprehensive suite of intelligent software solutions, set to be showcased at the event.

At the heart of the announcement are the new TC501 and TC701 handheld mobile computers, devices designed from the ground up to place advanced AI capabilities directly into the hands of store associates. This move comes as retailers grapple with immense pressure to create seamless, connected shopping experiences while battling operational inefficiencies. According to Zebra's 2025 Global Shopper Study, nearly 80% of consumers prioritize such integrated experiences, and a striking 89% of frontline associates believe they could better serve these customers with access to more advanced technology.

Zebra's latest offerings aim to bridge that gap, moving beyond simple data capture to provide tools that enable smarter, faster decision-making on the store floor. The initiative reflects a broader industry shift, where empowering the frontline workforce is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity for survival and growth in a competitive market.

An AI Ecosystem for the Frontline

Central to Zebra’s strategy is its expanded Frontline AI Suite, a multi-layered platform designed to automate complex workflows and augment the capabilities of retail employees. This suite is not a single product but an ecosystem composed of three key pillars.

First are the Frontline AI Enablers, a collection of on-device AI models and APIs that form the foundational layer. By processing data directly where it is captured—on the device itself—these tools significantly reduce latency. This allows for near-instant product recognition, text reading, and the ability to scan multiple barcodes at once, enhancing both speed and accuracy for tasks like inventory counts and price checks.

The second pillar, Frontline AI Blueprints, builds upon these enablers by combining them into purpose-built templates for complex, multi-step workflows. These blueprints integrate computer vision, voice recognition, and sensor data with predefined business logic to automate critical retail processes. Use cases include optimizing shelf merchandising by analyzing product placement, streamlining proof of delivery with automated checks, and accelerating material receiving in the backroom. By deploying these templates, retailers can reduce manual errors and free up associates from tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-value customer interactions.

Rounding out the suite is Zebra Companion, a Generative AI-driven agent introduced last year and now seeing deployment with major retailers. Its Knowledge and Sales agents act as on-demand experts, providing associates with procedural guidance, detailed product information, and sales coaching through a natural language interface. This empowers even new or seasonal staff to perform with the confidence and knowledge of a seasoned veteran.

“For years, we’ve been embedding AI into our hardware and software, elevating outcomes for our customers and partners,” said Yogesh Kulkarni, Vice President of AI Strategy at Zebra Technologies. “Our AI-enabled solutions are shaping the future of frontline operations by creating new ways of working.”

Hardware as the Foundation for Intelligence

Powering this intelligent software ecosystem is a new lineup of hardware engineered for the demands of the modern retail environment. The flagship TC501 and TC701 handhelds are more than just rugged devices; they are packed with industry-first innovations.

They feature the first AMOLED displays in their class, providing brighter, more power-efficient visuals that are easier to read in varied lighting conditions, from dim stockrooms to bright storefronts. Perhaps more significantly, they introduce the industry's first scan engine with color imaging. This leap beyond traditional monochrome scanning opens up new possibilities for data capture, allowing associates to photograph product damage for returns, verify authenticity through visual markers, or document shelf conditions for compliance, all within the same scanning action.

Under the hood, these devices are equipped with powerful Qualcomm® Dragonwing™ Q-6690 processors and next-generation connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and 5G. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 is particularly crucial for crowded retail stores, as the standard offers significantly lower latency and higher capacity, ensuring that dozens of devices can operate simultaneously without performance degradation. This robust connectivity is essential for real-time data synchronization and bandwidth-heavy AI applications.

Zebra's hardware refresh extends across its portfolio. The new ET401 Enterprise Tablet, also featuring the Qualcomm Dragonwing processor, boasts fully integrated RFID capabilities, enabling associates to locate items and update stock levels with unprecedented speed. The new SP20 Single-Plane Scanner is designed to accelerate checkout for small and medium businesses with a wider field-of-view and a five-minute setup. To manage this new fleet of devices, the modular ShareCradle charging system offers higher density and adaptive charging to extend battery life.

Forging Strategic Alliances and Flexible Models

Recognizing that hardware is only one piece of the puzzle, Zebra is also deepening its integration with the broader retail technology ecosystem. A key announcement is a new Android-based point-of-sale (POS) solution developed in collaboration with Salesforce. This Salesforce Retail Cloud POS integrates seamlessly with Zebra's devices, directly addressing the industry's push for unified commerce.

This partnership allows a store associate using a Zebra TC501 to not only process a transaction but also access a customer's entire shopping history, loyalty status, and personalized recommendations from the Salesforce cloud. It effectively breaks down the silos between online and in-store operations, enabling a truly cohesive and personalized customer journey.

In a move to make its advanced technology more accessible, Zebra also introduced a new Device Rental Service. This program provides retailers with short-term access to hardware like the TC78 and TC58e, offering a cost-effective and flexible way to scale operations during seasonal peaks or special events. This shifts the investment from a large, upfront capital expenditure to a more manageable operating expense, lowering the barrier to entry for adopting cutting-edge tools.

These strategic moves place Zebra in a strong position within a market where retailers are increasingly looking for holistic, integrated solutions rather than disparate point products. By combining AI-native hardware, a comprehensive software suite, strategic partnerships, and flexible acquisition models, the company is presenting a compelling vision for the future of the intelligent store, where technology empowers human associates to deliver superior service and drive operational excellence.