Zebra Technologies launches new mobile computer, completes Fetch Robotics acquisition

Zebra Technologies has introduced its first Wi-Fi 6-Enabled Mobile Computer offering “a full desktop experience” and also completed the $290m acquisition of Fetch Robotics.

The new TC52ax mobile computer offers support for Wi-Fi 6 and features Workstation Connect, a new software solution which enables users to turn Zebra mobile devices into mobile-driven workstations. The solution can help improve worker efficiency, simplify infrastructure, and improve return on investments in retail, manufacturing and warehouse environments.

According to the US supplier, the TC52ax is ideal for price check and item lookup, inventory and cycle counts, line busting, merchandising, and buy online pick up in store (BOPIS) and buy online, pick up at curbside (BOPAC) applications. The TC52ax offers advanced range scanning options using IntelliFocus™ to help workers capture distant top shelf and up-close barcodes to drive productivity.

The TC52ax is the first Zebra mobile computer to offer compatibility with Zebra Workstation Connect. Zebra Workstation Connect transforms Zebra mobile computers and tablets into mobile-driven workstations, on demand, allowing users to run applications on a large screen straight from their mobile devices, and seamlessly connect to external monitors, handheld scanners, printers, and keyboards.

Robotics acquisition

Separately, Zebra has completed its acquisition of Fetch Robotics, a pioneer in on-demand automation. Fetch’s Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are used for optimized picking in fulfillment centers and distribution centers, just-in-time material delivery in manufacturing facilities and automating manual material movement in any facility.

Back in July, the mobile computing group announced it would spend $290 million to fully acquire warehouse robotics start-up Fetch Robotics to broaden its portfolio in the booming e-commerce fulfilment market.

Zebra underlined that the planned acquisition furthers its vision to bring advanced robotics solutions to customers who have labour-intensive operations. It already offers robotics automation solutions combining its FulfillmentEdge and SmartSight solutions with Fetch Robotics’ AMRs.

According to Zebra, the robotics company features the largest portfolio of AMRs in the industry and offers seamless integration with warehouse and manufacturing systems without the need for changes to facilities or infrastructure.