During theNRF 2025, the largest global retail event held January 12-14 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City,Zebra Technologiespresented its latest innovations in artificial intelligence and new products aimed at the sector. In its space at the event, the company highlighted how its technology is transforming the concept of modern stores through the initiativeThe Modern Store powered by AI, which demonstrates how AI is revolutionizing retail operations.
Among Zebra's highlights is the launch of a set of AI tools for mobile computing, including software development kits (SDKs) for data capture with integrated AI and solution accelerators optimized for selected Zebra Android mobile devices. This package facilitates the development of AI applications by allowing clients, developers, and independent software vendors (ISVs) to easily integrate cutting-edge AI features into their mobile applications.
These AI resources aim to enable frontline workers to easily, accurately, and quickly capture workflow context and directly integrate it into Zebra Companion, a new comprehensive suite of AI agents specifically designed to empower retail workers. This multimodal generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solution is being developed in collaboration with selected industry clients to improve productivity and enhance the customer experience.
The Zebra Companion, which will be available in the United States starting in the second quarter of 2025, initially for early access pilot program participants, is an innovative solution that provides employees with instant access to critical information and troubleshooting support, optimizing both routine tasks and those generated by unexpected events. Focusing on ethical practices and data privacy, Zebra ensures that the use of artificial intelligence is safe and responsible. The suite includes tools such as
- Knowledge broker: Enables simple, conversational interactions with support and operational manuals (SOPs), helping employees onboard quickly and find the information they need at the right time.
- Sales agent: Provides support to answer questions about products, check availability and prices in real time, and suggest cross-sales and additional sales, helping employees to offer more personalized service to customers.
- Device Agent: Ensures optimal use and maintenance of Zebra equipment by quickly resolving issues and integrating data contextually, which reduces downtime and keeps retail operations running smoothly.
- Merchandising Agent: Uses advanced image recognition technology to monitor shelves and identify issues such as stock gaps, misplaced products, incorrect pricing and inaccurate signage, ensuring more efficient merchandising operations.
“We have been embedding AI into our products for years, elevating outcomes for our customers and partners. Our solutions are shaping the future of frontline operations and creating new ways of working. We are proud to collaborate with our extensive community of partners and customers to enhance our AI and GenAI capabilities to automate workflows, streamline processes and increase efficiency,” explains Vanderlei Ferreira, CEO of Zebra Technologies in Brazil.
According to theZebra’s 17th Annual Global Consumer Study72% of buyers stated they are dissatisfied with the lack of assistance received from store employees. On the other hand, nearly 90% of employees believe they could provide a much better experience to customers if they had access to mobile technology tools to facilitate real-time communication and prioritize tasks. This scenario reinforces the importance of technologies that empower frontline workers, with solutions that use artificial intelligence to optimize workflows and decision-making. In addition to the mobile computing AI Suite and Zebra Companion, Zebra introduced several other solutions aimed at transforming retail operations, including:
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) SolutionsThis technology uses radio waves to uniquely identify and track objects, allowing the capture of hundreds of items at once. In the next three years, 41% of retailers plan to use RFID tags and readers to prevent theft and improve inventory management.
- Zebra MC3400 and MC3450 Mobile Computers: Available in two form factors, these devices are ideal for retail, helping with shelf replenishment, backroom inventory management and accelerating e-commerce orders.
- Self-service solutions (self-checkout)Equipped with Zebra scanners and tablets, these solutions allow customers to make payments quickly and conveniently. This reduces queues and makes the check-out process much more efficient.
- Zebra EM45 RFID Enterprise MobileA compact device, similar to a smartphone, that combines precise RFID reading and mobile computing. With an AI-ready platform, the EM45 offers a modern and secure experience, allowing employees to monitor inventory, assist colleagues or customers, and manage operations directly from their pocket, without the need for multiple devices. Currently available in North America.
- Zebra Kiosk SystemsHighly flexible and modular, these systems can be configured for various functions such as self-service, loyalty registration, returns, or customer check-in. Add-on peripherals allow retailers to create new revenue opportunities while enhancing the consumer experience.
Two retail giants,Rack Room ShoesandTarget, took the stage at the NRF conference as part of the event agenda to share how Zebra solutions have driven their digital transformations and redefined their operations, highlighting the real-world impact of innovative technologies on everyday retail.
