MODEX 2024: Zebra Technologies introduces new automation offerings to empower connected workers
Company to showcase scanner, new wearable computers and AMRs at show
Zebra Technologies Corporation an Illinois-based digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets and people, announced new enterprise mobile computing and intelligent automation solutions designed to enable an agile, resilient supply chain with the power of a connected workforce.
At MODEX 2024, Zebra will highlight its expanded portfolio of options, including its new wearable scanner, wearable computer and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
The demand for increased operations
Operations leaders in the manufacturing, warehouse, retail, and transportation and logistics industries worldwide continue to grapple with fostering resilient supply chains amid heightened omnichannel demands for speed and accuracy, ongoing labor shortages, and economic uncertainty.
According to Zebra’s 2023 Global Warehouse Study, 89% of decision-makers say if their organizations do not invest in technology to improve operations, they will not meet their business objectives.
“Managing the supply chain has become more complex with increased consumer expectations for inventory and same-day deliveries,” said Andre Luecht, global strategy lead, transportation, logistics and warehousing at Zebra Technologies. “Zebra helps businesses work in new ways with technology and automation to drive the right outcomes in their operations and build an agile supply chain through better accuracy, visibility, and efficiency.”
According to the study, eight in 10 decision-makers and frontline workers said using more technology and automation would help meet or exceed productivity goals. In addition, decision-makers (54%) and workers (49%) agree addressing worker comfort and ergonomics is a top workforce initiative.
What to expect from Zebra Technologies at MODEX
At MODEX, visitors will see how Zebra’s new RS2100 wearable back-of-hand (BOH) scanner enhances productivity and delivers new levels of comfort to workers. The unique mount on the RS2100 leaves the palm completely unobstructed, providing greater freedom to handle items.
Zebra will also launch the WT6400 and WT5400 wearable computers. Engineered to streamline hands-free workflows while enhancing comfort, the WT6400 and WT5400 provide more flexibility for picking orders, sorting items, and managing inventory with greater efficiency and accuracy.
With a larger display and integrated keyboard, the WT6400 is easily accessible for right- and left-handed workers, and its integrated angled camera captures images to document damaged items or completed tasks. The WT6400 is designed for demanding environments, including freezer operation (-30°C), while the WT5400 introduces a new class of wearable computers for hands-free retail workflows.
A new addition to Zebra’s TC5X series includes the TC53e/TC58e/TC53e-RFID mobile computers. The TC5Xe series offers 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, integrated RFID, premium security features and contains 25% post-consumer recycled plastic by mass. The TC53e-RFID offers integrated short-range UHF RFID, enabling associates to take inventory in the backroom, validate tickets at a concert or verify all items in a shopping cart from up to nearly 4 ft/1.2m away with the same device ergonomics as the standard TC53e.
The TC5Xe series, WT6400 and WT5400 are all powered by the Qualcomm 4490 octa-core processor which provides a longer lifecycle and more processing power. It can run multiple applications including apps powered by augmented reality and AI, apps designed for voice and line of business as well as simple ‘green screen’ legacy apps.
Beyond its new wearables and mobile computers, Zebra will also showcase its recently launched MC9400 series, the ultra-rugged mobile computer designed to enhance workflow efficiency and device security across the retail, warehouse, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics industries.
The company will unveil enhancements to the Fetch100 autonomous mobile robots (AMR) at the show, including the Fetch100 Roller Guide AMR, which combines simplified worker-robot collaboration and conveyer delivery into one solution.
Workers can easily see tasks, destinations and status via the Roller Guide’s integrated touchscreen and smart LEDs. Its ability to autonomously load and unload totes and bins from existing mechanized equipment - such as conveyors - increases worker productivity. Together with its channel partners, Zebra will also demonstrate several machine vision-based solutions at the show.
Scan tunnel, dock door and packing bench demos will highlight the efficacy of Zebra’s fixed industrial scanner and machine vision technology in reducing errors as well as improving productivity, visibility and overall operational efficiency.
