Warehouse workflow software, head-mounted display and ringer scanner modernize warehouse operations to meet needs of on-demand economy

Zebra Technologies Corporation has announced intuitive warehouse offerings designed to optimize workflows, maximize productivity in the warehouse and improve employee onboarding. Offering a modern user experience that leverages Zebra’s Android™-based mobile computers and innovative optional accessories like the new enterprise-class HD4000 head-mounted display, Zebra FulfillmentEdge™ transforms existing warehouse management systems (WMS) by enabling real-time dynamic workflows and routing mobile workers for picking, packing and put-away — without costly and risky upgrades or backend changes. Zebra also introduced the new single-finger RS5100 wireless ring scanner, providing mobile workers with an ultra-light hands-free scanning option for increased productivity in industrial environments.

According to Zebra’s recent 2024 Warehousing Vision Study, IT and operational decision makers are already taking steps to upgrade their facilities and WMS platforms. Findings show that 54 percent of surveyed organizations plan to implement full-featured WMS and mobile worker execution systems by 2024. FulfillmentEdge integrates existing real-time WMS data with real-time location information, providing visibility into the location of workers, inventory and material handling assets. The solution then analyzes the information and creates real-time workflows delivered as electronic tasks that can contain visual directions to the next pick location and photos of the item to ensure picking accuracy. Now, one worker can simultaneously pick multiple orders, enabling businesses to dramatically increase order fulfillment times and boost worker productivity up to 24 percent.

“The on-demand economy is placing pressure on warehouse operations to quickly fulfill more orders than ever before, requiring a highly productive and efficient workforce,” said Joe White, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Mobile Computing, Zebra Technologies. “Zebra’s intuitive FulfillmentEdge software and optional HD4000 head-mounted display provide mobile workers with clear, step-by-step instructions that reduce training time by 90 percent to allow near-instant onboarding while decision makers benefit from the real-time insights and analytics that enable better data-driven decisions.”

Zebra’s 2024 Warehousing Vision Study also found that 62 percent of companies say they plan to add or upgrade to wearable computers, such as smart watches, smart glasses or hip-mounted devices. Zebra’s first enterprise-class, head-mounted display is lightweight for hands-free and heads-up, directed-action workflows that increase task efficiency and accuracy by overlaying contextual information such as shelf location and layout, pick quantity, remaining picks and bin sorting information within each worker’s field of vision.

The rugged, monocular HD4000 head-mounted display is an optional accessory for select mobile computers capable of running the FulfillmentEdge solution. It tethers via USB, providing all-day power and increased productivity to warehouse, manufacturing and field service workers who can benefit from hands-free, directed-action workflows.

Zebra also announced the rugged, single-finger RS5100 Bluetooth® ring scanner that helps improve worker productivity by freeing up workers’ hands for inventory management, picking, packing and sorting applications in industrial environments. Zebra’s smallest and lightest ring scanner offers a long battery life and features a single-sided- or double-trigger to enable workers to use gloves or bare hands for all-day comfort. It also supports NFC tap-to-pair with most Zebra enterprise-class Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices and offers high-performance 1D/2D omnidirectional scanning to maximize worker productivity.

KEY POINTS

• Zebra FulfillmentEdge modernizes warehouse management systems by optimizing workflows, maximizing worker productivity and improving employee onboarding without costly and risky upgrades or backend changes that could disrupt operations.
• Using Zebra’s solution, a single worker can be directed to pick multiple orders and put away incoming shipments and returned items — all in a single trip through the warehouse — enabling businesses to pick up to 24 percent more orders per day without adding staff.
• Companies can almost instantly onboard new employees and reduce training time up to 90 percent with this Zebra solution.
• The rugged HD4000 is Zebra’s first enterprise-class, head-mounted display for hands-free, directed-action workflows that increases task efficiency and accuracy by overlaying contextual information within each worker’s field of view.
• Zebra also introduces the new lightweight, rugged RS5100 Bluetooth ring scanner, offering maximum comfort and ease-of-use to improve worker productivity across a variety of applications.

Printronix Auto ID, Inc., a global leader in enterprise grade industrial printing solutions unveiled the new T6000e thermal barcode printer, an enhanced version of its popular T6000 printer series with new features and advanced RFID capabilities.

The T6000e sets a new standard for productivity and versatility in fast-paced environments where speed, exceptional print quality and advanced features such as RFID are needed.

“The T6000e is the fourth product Printronix Auto ID has launched in the last 12 months and reflects our continued commitment to the AIDC printer market,” said Andy Edwards, Director of Product Management. “The upgrades to our midrange platform not only include 600 DPI printing but also RFID on both the 4” and 6” models allowing us to offer a solution for emerging wide-web printing and encoding applications. In addition, not only does the T6000e support standard and on-metal RFID labels and tags, but we’ve also significantly optimized the encoding and printing process making it ideal for high volume RFID applications.”

The dual flexibility of being able to encode and print on-metal and standard RFID labels and tags makes it the ideal solution for RFID asset tagging of tools and equipment used in manufacturing, supply chain, IT,  healthcare, and service yard industries. On-metal tags typically include a foam insulator and a metal foil backing that makes them incompatible with most standard RFID printer/encoders, but the T6000e was engineered to handle these media with ease. And, because accuracy is critical in every application, the T6000e will back-up and completely overstrike RFID labels that fail to encode properly. The T6000e is also backwards compatible with existing T6000 applications.

Created for the enterprise market, the T6000e is engineered for industrial applications such as manufacturing, automotive, transportation, retail, and logistics. For optimal productivity, the printer offers 14 inches per second print speed, high-quality 600 dpi printing, advanced RFID features, and a complete suite of connectivity options.

Like all Printronix Industrial printers, the T6000e was built on the Printronix System Architecture (PSA) platform that combines exclusive features with a common set of building blocks to simplify printer replacement/installation and improve productivity. The printer comes with nine printer emulations for easy drop-in installation and has a large LCD color screen  for easy operation. The T6000e is also available with PrintNet Enterprise, a remote printer management tool.

Thin and lightweight model with Android™ 9 and built-in 1D/2D scanner.

Casio Europe GmbH has announced the release of the ET-L10 mobile computer with Android™ 9. The ET-L10 features a large 5.7-inch display that enables users to view information needed for work on a single screen.

As a result of advances in operating systems and faster data communication speeds, more companies are using smartphones as accessible, low-cost work devices, including companies in the retail industry. However, in practice, existing solutions have fallen short of meeting needs because they require a separate scanner, and there are concerns about their robustness.

The new ET-L10 is a rugged smart device that combines both the operability and slimness of a smartphone with the practicality of a work device. The ET-L10 is equipped with a built-in 1D/2D scanner and a large 5.7-inch display that is easy to operate and facilitates the viewing of needed information. These enhancements make it easier, for example, to check the remaining inventory in retail operations or show product information to customers. Handheld terminals are also being used in various other industries such as sales force and retail, as mobile information devices.

The ET-L10 runs Android™ 9, enabling applications to be customized according to work needs. The device is highly portable, with a thin and lightweight body (roughly 15.5 mm thick and weighing about 240 grams), while being tough enough for work situations by withstanding a drop from 1.5 meters and featuring IP65 dustproof and waterproof(*) construction.

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(*) Protected against dust ingress; no harmful effects from water projected against enclosure from any direction.

The Tej Kohli Foundation is funding 3D-printed bionic arms for 10 British children from Bristol-based robotics pioneer Open Bionics.

Open Bionics is building and developing the next generation of low-cost bionic limbs that turn disabilities into superpowers.

Kohli was also an early investor in Open Bionics and advocates its superior robotics technology for improving the confidence of children.

Investor Tej Kohli is to fund the purchase of ten bionic arms for children with limb differences in the UK. The Tej Kohli Foundation hopes that its commitment to fund arms for ten children over the next 5 months as part of its ‘Future Bionics’ program will highlight how assistive technology can substantially improve the lives and confidence of young people living with disabilities. The Tej Kohli Foundation hopes to inspire and influence other healthcare institutions to follow this lead and discover the advanced 3D-printed technology.

In England the National Health Service (‘NHS’) currently provides a single-grip myoelectric-controlled (‘myo’) prosthesis at a cost of approximately £8,000. However, the Open Bionics Hero Arm can be controlled with the electrical signals generated by a user’s muscles and has superior multi-grip functionality that enables users to perform many more everyday activities.

The Open Bionics Hero Arm costs £10,000 through a private prosthetics clinic in the UK, whereas other advanced multi-grip bionic hands cost £30,000 – £60,000. The Tej Kohli Foundation will spend an initial £100,000 to launch its ‘Future Bionics’ programme, which will enable ten British children to access not just a superior technology, but a better life.

The first Hero Arm recipient is 10-year-old Jacob Pickering from Blackburn, who will receive his new Hero Arm just in time for Christmas. Jacob was born without his right arm as a result of amniotic band syndrome. All Jacob has spoken about for the past month is the Hero Arm, and his father David is “completely overwhelmed” that Jacob has been selected for a donation and claims that it will “change Jacob’s life”. The second Hero Arm recipient is 14-year-old Harris Gribble from Exeter, who is a keen Rugby and Cricket player.

The lightweight Hero Arm is currently the only multi-grip myo prosthetic arm that is available for paediatric use. The enhanced ability of the user to be able to personalise their 3D-printed Open Bionics Hero Arm is also a huge boost to mental well-being and to perceived social acceptance. This is particularly important for younger people.

Investor Tej Kohli first discovered Bristol-based Open Bionics when he invested into ‘Rewired’, a robotics-focused venture studio ‘with a humanitarian bent’ that was a very-early backer of Open Bionics in 2017.

Tej Kohli, Co-Founder of the Tej Kohli Foundation said “We started the Tej Kohli Foundation in 2005 with a project to provide daily meals for 1,000 children in Costa Rica. Since then the Tej Kohli Foundation has supported projects all over the world and helped tens of thousands of people, especially those living with disability. This gift of ten bionic arms is the first project that we have ever initiated in the UK. I see it as just the beginning, and my hope is that this gift will help to highlight the positive difference that technology can make to the confidence and prospects of a younger person. We’re doing this as an example, but we hope that others will follow our lead. These technologies are now so accessible and affordable that healthcare organisations such as the NHS should do more to embrace and improve access to them for disabled young people.”

Samantha Payne, Co-Founder and COO of Open Bionics said “We’re really grateful to the Tej Kohli Foundation for pledging to fund advanced bionic arms for ten children in the UK. These children are amongst dozens of people with upper limb differences in the UK fundraising right now for a Hero Arm. We’ve worked really hard to achieve a price point for the device that is acceptable for existing NHS budgets for prosthetic provision, and we very much hope the NHS sees how helpful these devices are and will begin offering them to the people who need them.”

Children and adults with below-elbow limb differences can register their interest at www.openbionics.com.

Focal Systems, Inc., the industry leader in retail automation solutions, announced today that it has received a strategic investment from Zebra Ventures, the investment arm of Zebra Technologies, to scale the business of AI-powered retail technology products. Focal Systems works with leading retailers on four continents to provide AI-powered cameras and an advanced analytics stack that functions as a retail store operating system.

“The future of retail is powered by real-time, accurate data and AI algorithms that leverage that data to automate and optimize all functions of a retailer’s business. We know that some retailers and consumer packaged goods companies would like to receive shelf inventory data multiple times per day, and our shelf edge cameras enable this,” said Francois Chaubard, CEO, Focal Systems. “As experts in deep learning computer vision, we’ve proven with our retailers that fixed shelf cameras are the right answer to the out-of-stock problem and beyond, unlocking unparalleled possibilities in how retailers and brands can implement actionable intelligence that drive huge efficiencies and lift.”

Focal uses shelf cameras to monitor shelves to increase on-shelf availability. It also leverages the same algorithms to eliminate friction at the checkout. These solutions feed into Focal’s AI engine to automate decision making in order to optimize planograms, labor schedules, on-shelf availability and associate productivity while streamlining the supply chain and enhancing the customer experience.

“Zebra is investing in companies that accelerate our Enterprise Asset Intelligence vision to deliver exceptional value to our customers,” said Tony Palcheck, Managing Director of Zebra Ventures, Zebra Technologies. “As a technology solutions provider to many of the world’s leading retailers, we have heard our customers tout the benefits of Focal as an effective solution for solving out-of-stocks. We believe Focal has superb talent and a deep understanding of the challenges retailers face, positioning them to be successful in this market. As with all Zebra Ventures portfolio companies, we see opportunities to collaborate with Focal to help support our customers.”

“We are building automation solutions that empower the next generation of retail stores and this investment allows us to accelerate our product roadmap and scale globally.” said Chaubard. “The synergies created by our integrated product portfolio have the ability to truly digitize and transform retailers.”

“Zebra is a marquee brand that our customers trust, and we look forward to the launch of joint go-to-market efforts that will put our mutual customers at the forefront of retail,” said Jeremy Pugh, VP Sales, Focal Systems.

Focal Systems provides retail automation solutions and process improvement to retailers around the world. A Focal retailer operates smarter stores through AI enabled decision making that drive optimized tasks and actionable alerts to streamline operations and deliver an improved customer experience.

Designed for throughput: The largest metal binder jetting system available, the X1 160PRO offers more than 2.5 times the build volume of competing systems for sale today

Unparalleled material flexibility: Capable of 3D printing more than six qualified metal materials, plus ceramics, into dense and dimensionally accurate parts

Featuring patented Triple ACT: This advanced new system for dispensing, spreading and compacting ultra-fine powders delivers industry-leading density and repeatability

The tenth and largest metal 3D printer from ExOne: The trusted, global leaders in industrial binder jetting systems for sand, metal and ceramics

The ExOne Company has evealed the culmination of two decades of metal 3D product development with its tenth and largest metal 3D printer to date: the X1 160PRO.

Built for high throughput and large-part production, the new X1 160PRO metal 3D printer offers build dimensions of 800 x 500 x 400 mm, delivering 160 liters of total build volume – large enough to produce investment cast parts used in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries.

The open material system is capable of 3D printing six qualified metals, including the popular stainless steels 316L, 304L and 17-4PH, as well as some ceramics, into dense and reliable final parts using ExOne’s exclusive Triple Advanced Compaction Technology (ACT) system.

With print speeds topping 10,000 cm3/hour, depending on print material, the X1 160PRO is designed to deliver the best quality part at production speeds. The new system also features Industry 4.0 cloud connectivity and process-linking capabilities enabled by Siemens MindSphere.

“Our technology roadmap has been leading us to this machine for more than two decades,” said John Hartner, ExOne CEO. “At the same time, the X1 160PRO was also designed in response to growing demand from automotive, defense and aerospace customers. We’re incredibly proud of what this model means for the future of metal 3D printing and sustainable production of large metal parts without design limitations.”

The X1 160PRO joins ExOne’s growing family of metal 3D printers, which includes the Innovent+, an entry-level system used globally for research, design and small part production, and the X1 25PRO, a mid-size production 3D printer that is large enough for most metal parts manufactured today. The X1 25PRO begins shipping to customers this quarter and is slated to be shown for the first time in Europe this month at Formnext 2019 in Frankfurt, Germany. The X1 160PRO is slated to ship in late 2020.

Essential Triple ACT System for Volume Production
The X1 160PRO features ExOne’s exclusive and patented Triple Advanced Compaction Technology (ACT) system, which is critical to delivering consistent part density and repeatability across the entire build area when binder jet 3D printing.

Binder jetting is a method of 3D printing in which an inkjet prints a binding fluid onto a fine layer of powder, building a part, one layer at a time. ExOne’s Triple ACT tackles one of the biggest challenges of binder jetting metal powders to perfection: dispensing, spreading and uniformly compacting ultra-fine powders with an average particle size, or D50, of 9 microns. These powders’ cohesiveness makes them prone to caking and difficult to dispense. ExOne’s technology overcomes this challenge.

ExOne has extensive experience in metal binder jet 3D printing. The company launched the world’s first commercial metal binder jet system, the RTS-300, in 1998, followed by a new metal printer every few years. About half of the company’s binder jet printer systems installed worldwide are metal 3D printers. Additionally, the company operates the world’s most productive metal binder jet printing production facility at its headquarters outside of Pittsburgh.

This experience led to the development of the Triple ACT system for precisely controlling fine powders and delivering high part density and repeatability. Learn more at www.exone.com/tripleACT.

Six in 10 shoppers agree self-checkout solutions provide an improved customer experience

Zebra Technologies Corporation has revealed the results of its 12th annual Global Shopper Study, the industry’s only market tracker that analyzes the attitudinal behavior of shoppers, retail associates and retail executives and examines the retail and technology trends impacting shoppers’ purchasing behavior.

Zebra Technologies revealed the results of its 12th annual Global Shopper Study. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Three-fourths (75 percent) of surveyed millennial shoppers and more than half (53 percent) of Gen X shoppers indicated they shopped in a store and left without a purchase only to end up buying the item online. The main culprit for retailers losing in-store purchases to online shopping is due to issues with inventory management, particularly out-of-stocks. Both shoppers and retail associates expressed dissatisfaction with the number of out-of-stocks as 43 percent of retail associates cited customer complaints about out-of-stocks as their biggest frustration and 39 percent of shoppers left a store without a purchase due to this problem.

Self-checkout technologies are also gaining traction in retail stores as 40 percent of shoppers reported using these solutions within the last six months and 86 percent stated comfort with the technology. Furthermore, most shoppers (58 percent) – especially millennials (70 percent) – agree that self-checkout provides an improved customer experience. The majority of store associates (54 percent) also said staffed checkout areas are less necessary with new technology that automates the process. Nearly nine-in-ten retail executives (87 percent) believe self-checkout frees up store associates to better serve customers, and 81 percent reported they’re starting to see a return on their investment.

“Our study shows that while better services will help retain current shoppers and attract new ones, retailers need to make sure they have the basics right when it comes to product availability, ease of finding products, returns and exchanges,” said Anees Haidri, Director of Global Retail Market Strategy, Zebra Technologies. “To win with shoppers today, retailers must deliver the seamless, multi-channel experience that customers expect and leverage technology to provide more personalized services for managing inventory and building smarter operations.”

Providing a better customer experience will be crucial to keep shoppers coming back, but a significant disconnect exists between the expectations of retail executives and shoppers. In fact, 77 percent of retail executives believe customers are satisfied with the in-store experience while only 57 percent of shoppers reported feeling satisfied. The study also identified sizeable perception gaps when it comes to the returns and exchanges process between shopper satisfaction (59 percent) and executives’ perception of their satisfaction (80 percent). Investments in mobile solutions though have fostered agreement among executives (85 percent) and store associates (73 percent) that equipping associates with the latest technology provides a better experience.

Retailers are also trying to improve the in-store experience through the use of robotics. Only seven percent of surveyed shoppers interacted with a robot in a retail environment in the last six months, but nearly three-quarters (72 percent) said they were comfortable with them while 32 percent of associates reported concerns about being replaced by one.

KEY REGIONAL FINDINGS
Asia-Pacific

• Almost half of surveyed shoppers (49 percent) reported a preference for purchasing online because of the ease of the returns process.
• Fifty-three percent of shoppers are reliant upon using their mobile device/store app for in-store shopping.

 
Europe and the Middle East

• Two-thirds (66 percent) of shoppers reported satisfaction with their ability to pay anywhere in the store.
• Only 14 percent of shoppers completely trust retailers to protect their personal data.

 
Latin America

• Seventy-one percent of shoppers said self-checkout provides them with a better shopping experience and 64 percent prefer using the technology to a staffed checkout lane.
• More than eight-in-ten (83 percent) shoppers are interested in receiving a coupon or cash-back offer in exchange for waiting up to four days for delivery of an online purchase.

 
North America

• Only six percent of shoppers said they completely trust retailers to protect their personal data, the lowest score of any region.
• North American holiday shoppers expect to spend 58 percent of their holiday budget in physical stores.

 

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SURVEY BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY
Zebra’s 12^th annual Global Shopper Study included approximately 4,811 shoppers, 1,100 retail associates and 435 retail executives from North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East who were interviewed in August – September 2019 by Qualtrics.

]]> http://www.elmundodeladc.com/zebra-global-shopper-study-2020/feed/ 0 http://www.elmundodeladc.com/brother-new-td-4-series-4-inch-tt-printers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brother-new-td-4-series-4-inch-tt-printers http://www.elmundodeladc.com/brother-new-td-4-series-4-inch-tt-printers/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.elmundodeladc.com/?p=22372

Brother Mobile Solutions, a premier provider of mobile and desktop printers, announces the newest addition to its ground-breaking suite of products for industrial labelling applications. The new TD-4 Desktop Thermal Transfer Printer Series provides clearly readable, long lasting labels needed to address the challenges of identifying and tracking items in a warehouse and across every step of the manufacturing process.

The newest addition to our suite of products for industrial labeling applications is now available!. The TD-4 Desktop Thermal Transfer Printer Series – a solution that can handle nearly every labeling application needed in industrial environments.

Auto ID labeling plays a more important role than ever across today’s manufacturing supply chain. Thermal transfer labels are used on the factory floor for tagging sourced components when they arrive at the plant, to parts areas where shelves, bin boxes and tool cribs must be labeled to ensure speedy pick operations or for tools and asset management. During production, barcode label systems identify and track items as they move through a facility or assembly line. And in the warehouse, they are used to mark racks, shelves, bins and to identify finished goods for fast, accurate routing and traceability as they are packaged or shipped for delivery across the supply chain.

Beyond manufacturing and industrial applications, smart labeling solutions with superior readability and versatility are in demand for omnichannel retail, transportation and warehouse applications, and across a growing variety of commercial and industrial markets.

The Industry Standard in Thermal Transfer Technology
According to Ravi Panjwani, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, “Brother has been recognized as a global innovator in thermal transfer labeling since pioneering it’s on-demand thermal transfer print and laminating technology over 25 years ago – a technology that sets the standard still today. With the addition of the 4” thermal transfer desktop label printer to the popular TD, PT and P-touch EDGE series of high-performing printers, Brother has a solution that can handle nearly every labeling application needed in industrial environments.”

He continued, “Our reliable, versatile thermal transfer, and direct thermal labeling solutions are engineered to enhance agility and flexibility to meet accelerating demand in today’s intensely competitive marketplace.”

These precision-built barcode label printers deliver optimum levels of performance and quality and offer seamless integration at an exceptional value. They incorporate reliable, hassle-free thermal printing technology and a wide selection of thermal media, including premium paper, polypropylene, and polyester labels paired with a variety of ink ribbon options.

Snapshot of features and functionality:

• Performance and Cost – Combines faster print speeds, easier integrations and industry’s best warranty that delivers great performance with the lowest costs for optimum value.
• Integration – Compatible with popular WMS, MRP/ERP and label design software applications, including Brother P-touch Editor. In addition, the printers come with ZPL II®, EPL2 and DPL emulations, along with FBPL for custom Basic programming that helps with drop-in solutions.
• Reliability – Printers are covered under an industry leading 2-year premier limited warranty, that includes the print head and platen roller, no matter the amount of media printed.
• Media – Compatible with a variety of ink ribbon and media type combinations, including both thermal transfer and direct thermal media for mixed deployments.
• Versatility – Print using roll or fanfold media. Printing mechanism is fully encased for use in kiosks or in harsh environments. Compatible with larger 300m long ink ribbons and 8” OD media with optional external roll holder accessory to share common media with industrial tabletop printers.
• Connectivity – Models come standard with Ethernet LAN, USB, host USB and RS232C serial interfaces help prints from virtually any Windows, Mac and Linux computers, including other computing devices like a PLC that are commonly used in manufacturing.
• Usability – Simple to understand 1 button/1 multicolor LED control panel and spindle-less, media loading design with spring loaded guides and adjustable open-and-lock position offers true drop-in and faster media roll loading experience.
• Complete Printing Solution – Comes with intuitive and easy to use BarTender® UltraLite label design/print-software application for designing, WYSIWYG previewing and printing custom media for virtually any application.

Acquisition aligns computer vision AI solutions with Zebra’s enterprise asset intelligence vision

Zebra Technologies Corporation), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today announced that it has acquired Cortexica Vision Systems Ltd., a London-headquartered leader in business-to-business (B2B) computer vision-based artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Founded in 2008, Cortexica has developed vision-based analytics and AI solutions to drive new user experiences and greater operational efficiencies. Specific capabilities enabled by the Cortexica computer vision AI portfolio include object recognition, image and video analysis and visual search. Cortexica brings robust technology capabilities and a talented team of engineers, giving Zebra an opportunity to enhance its next-generation offerings.

“The acquisition of Cortexica further advances our Enterprise Asset Intelligence vision by providing computer vision-based sensing to enable our customers to operate more effectively in increasingly automated, data-powered environments,” said Anders Gustafsson, chief executive officer of Zebra Technologies. “Cortexica’s computer vision expertise provides customers greater visibility into the status of assets at the operational edge of their businesses through vision-based sensing and advanced analytics capabilities.”

Cortexica enhances the “Sense” and “Analyze” layers of Zebra’s “Sense-Analyze-Act” solution framework through the introduction of new computer vision-based AI that enables Zebra to address a range of emerging use-cases that complement its core portfolio.

“Cortexica’s talented team members are excited to join Zebra to expand and enhance the company’s ability to continue to innovate with our unique skill sets and thought leadership in the field of computer vision,” said Iain McCready, chief executive officer, Cortexica.

The USPS awarded Zebra an IDIQ contract to provide 300,000 next-generation Mobile Delivery Devices.

Starting in the first half of 2020, USPS will use the Zebra TC77 touch computer to scan, track and trace packages across its delivery network and provide real-time information to its customers.

The mobile devices will help the USPS’ letter carriers as it expands its package delivery products and services.

Zebra Technologies Corporation has announced that the United States Postal Service (USPS) awarded the Company an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to supply TC77 touch computers to scan, track and trace packages across its carrier network. The USPS will start deploying 300,000 TC77 mobile devices as its next-generation Mobile Delivery Device in the first half of 2020.

Zebra’s Android™-based TC77 mobile computers will help the USPS optimize operations in the on-demand economy while providing customers with the speed, accuracy and real-time tracking they expect. The ultra-rugged TC77 features Zebra’s Mobility DNA suite of software tools that increase worker productivity, simplify management and strengthen the security of Zebra’s Android-based, enterprise-class computers. Zebra will also provide accessories, software, help desk support, repairs, maintenance, and software development.

“We are honored to work with the world’s largest postal service and are excited to provide our innovative mobile technology, services and support to the USPS and its customers,” said Anders Gustafsson, CEO, Zebra Technologies. “We look forward to building on our relationship with the USPS and providing a performance edge to its letter carriers.”