3306: How Zebra Technologies Is Bringing AI to the Frontline Workforce

Most of the noise around AI focuses on developers, creatives, and knowledge workers. But what about everyone else? The nurses, store associates, logistics teams, and warehouse staff make up nearly 80 percent of the global workforce.

In today's conversation, I sat down with Tom Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer at Zebra Technologies, to talk about AI that meets people where they work. Not in a document editor or code repository but on the shop floor, in hospital corridors, and inside fulfillment centers.

Tom shared how Zebra's strategy, built on research, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, is helping to bring practical, purpose-built AI to frontline industries. From generative assistants to machine vision systems, Zebra is developing tools that support real-world tasks without replacing the people doing them.

Whether it's improving shelf visibility in retail, enabling rapid quality control in manufacturing, or automating picking assistance through wearable cameras, the focus is on helping workers complete their tasks more efficiently, accurately, and with greater satisfaction.

One of the standout topics was Zebra Companion, the company's AI-powered assistant for frontline teams. With four dedicated agents covering knowledge, sales, merchandising, and device support, it is a tool designed for immediacy, speed, and seamless integration with the daily workflow. 

Tom explained how Zebra is utilizing feedback from pilot programs to enhance the experience and why a human-centered approach to automation is crucial for reducing attrition and boosting morale. We also examined how AI and machine vision are driving measurable improvements in logistics and manufacturing.

Recent acquisitions have strengthened Zebra's capabilities in 3D vision and high-speed industrial scanning. Looking ahead, we discussed omniscient store concepts, collaborative robotics, and the increasing value of real-time operational data.

While much of the AI conversation stays focused on the office, Zebra is showing what happens when intelligence meets physical work. This episode is a reminder that AI is not just about prompts and pixels. It is also about boxes, shelves, scanners, and real people doing real jobs.

How is your business planning to bring AI to the teams that keep everything moving?