Atlanta-based Zebra Technologies Corporation demonstrated new industrial solutions that improve communications and efficiencies March 28-31 at Modex 2022, the world’s premier supply chain trade show.
Zebra introduced its first all-in-one Android-based wearable computer, the new WS50, and its first RFID sled designed for industrial usage, the RFD90. Zebra also showcased its recently announced Fetch FlexShelf autonomous mobile robot solution as well as several other in-booth demos focused on optimizing the fulfillment process and streamlining workflows.
Zebra’s all-in-one WS50 Android wearable computer is half the size of traditional wearables and includes a small display, WiFi and an imager or camera, eliminating the need for multiple devices supporting hands-free workflows, such as picking, sorting, loading and put away. With data capture capabilities and an integrated speaker and microphone, the WS50 supports task management and communication in warehouse, manufacturing and retail environments.
With the option of three different wearable styles including back of hand, wrist or on the fingers, the ergonomic WS50 wearable computer provides users with the flexibility they need.
Zebra’s new RFD90 RFID sled offers industrial-grade IP65 and 67 sealing and 6-foot drop specifications to concrete, making it ideal for use in extreme weather and tough environments. The RFD90 sled supports packaging and baggage tracking, cycle counting, cold chain and item locating as well as raw materials inventory, work in progress tracking and returnable transport object tracking.
Featuring a long-lasting battery for lengthier shifts and industry-leading read rates, the RFD90 optimizes workflows and reduces task completion time resulting in greater productivity and a better user experience.
At MODEX 2022, Zebra also showcased its recently announced fulfillment solution, featuring dynamic orchestration of equipped workers augmented by the latest FlexShelf series of autonomous mobile robots, including the FlexGuide and RollerTop Guide. Both AMRs are purpose-built for maximizing pick productivity in e-commerce and wholesale operations where speed and accuracy are critical to meeting the increasing demand of customers.
New FetchCore fulfillment software optimizes the human workforce and robot fleet, while intelligent safety features leveraging cloud-based machine learning algorithms help front-line workers, robots, and even forklifts work safely side-by-side.
“The global pandemic created exponential growth in the industrial automation sector as businesses worked to scale their operations and stay on time with shipping demands, all while addressing labor shortages and high turnover rates,” said Mark Wheeler, director of supply chain solutions for Zebra Technologies.
“Zebra’s solutions help businesses confidently accelerate their automation efforts through a single vendor, helping them address needs ranging from the movement of pallets from trucks to put-away locations, to the movement of pickers and cobots in diverse picking environments. By addressing these needs, companies are seeing increased productivity and worker satisfaction, reduced costs and improved safety.”
Zebra’s MODEX 2022 booth featured 12 demonstration stations showcasing how intelligent industrial automation is helping warehouses increase their capabilities and operate more efficiently in today’s fast-paced environment.
Zebra empowers organizations to thrive in the on-demand economy by making every front-line worker and asset at the edge visible, connected and fully optimized. With an ecosystem of more than 10,000 partners across more than 100 countries, Zebra serves customers of all sizes – including 94 percent of the Fortune 100 – with an award-winning portfolio of hardware, software, services and solutions that digitize and automate workflows.
For more information, visit zebra.com.
