# Zebra Technologies

> Zebra Technologies is the largely invisible technology layer beneath modern frontline work. Its rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners, thermal printers, RFID readers, machine-vision systems, touchscreens and Workcloud software help retailers count inventory, hospitals identify patients, warehouses move orders and manufacturers inspect products. Founded in 1969 as Data Specialties, the public company now combines purpose-built hardware, software, supplies and services through a global partner channel, serving more than 80% of the Fortune 500 and competing across a $35 billion-plus market for connected frontline operations and asset visibility.

- **Founded:** 1969
- **Headquarters:** Lincolnshire, Illinois, United States
- **Founders:** Ed Kaplan (Co-founder), Gerhard (Gary) Cless (Co-founder)
- **Team size:** Approximately 10,700 employees in 57 countries
- **Products:** Enterprise mobile computers and rugged tablets, Barcode scanners and imagers, Thermal, RFID and mobile printing, RFID and real-time location systems, Workcloud software
- **Notable:** Built number-one positions in enterprise mobile computing, thermal barcode printing, data capture and RFID readers, according to company-cited VDC Research and Zebra analysis., Expanded from a 1969 electromechanical-products maker into an S&P 500 information-technology company., Completed the $3.45 billion acquisition of Motorola Solutions' enterprise business in 2014.

## Products & services

- **Enterprise mobile computers and rugged tablets** — Purpose-built handhelds, wearables, vehicle-mounted computers and tablets for frontline data capture and task execution.
- **Barcode scanners and imagers** — Handheld, presentation, healthcare, fixed-mount and industrial scanners designed for high-volume data capture.
- **Thermal, RFID and mobile printing** — Desktop, industrial and mobile printers for labels, receipts, wristbands, cards and RFID encoding, plus certified supplies.
- **RFID and real-time location systems** — Fixed and handheld readers, antennas, tags and software used to identify and locate inventory, assets and people.
- **Workcloud software** — Workforce optimization, task management, demand forecasting, inventory and collaboration tools for frontline teams.
- **Machine vision and fixed industrial scanning** — 2D and 3D vision sensors, smart cameras and software for inspection, traceability and industrial automation.
- **Interactive touch and self-service systems** — Elo touchscreens, point-of-sale displays and kiosks for retail, hospitality, healthcare and industrial settings.
- **Zebra DNA, Nucleus and frontline AI** — Device software, management platforms and AI-enabled applications that connect, secure and orchestrate frontline technology.
- **Services and support** — Maintenance, repair, managed services, professional services and deployment support across the product lifecycle.

## Achievements

- Built number-one positions in enterprise mobile computing, thermal barcode printing, data capture and RFID readers, according to company-cited VDC Research and Zebra analysis.
- Expanded from a 1969 electromechanical-products maker into an S&P 500 information-technology company.
- Completed the $3.45 billion acquisition of Motorola Solutions' enterprise business in 2014.
- Serves customers that include more than 80% of the Fortune 500.
- Built a portfolio of roughly 8,000 patents and patent applications worldwide.
- Reached $5.396 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales.
- Reported record second-quarter 2026 sales of $1.557 billion, up 20.4% year over year and 9.2% organically.
- Completed the Photoneo and Elo Touch Solutions acquisitions in 2025.
- Earned six Red Dot and two iF Design Awards in 2025.
- Placed in the Wall Street Journal's top 10 companies for AI readiness in 2026.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Reported record Q2 sales of $1.557 billion, 9.2% organic growth and a raised fiscal-year outlook.
- **2026-06** — Introduced Zebra Nucleus, Workcloud IO and Workcloud BI as part of a broader push into AI-powered frontline operations.
- **2026-06** — Unveiled a broader machine-vision ecosystem at Automate 2026.
- **2026-05** — Made a strategic investment in Apera AI to advance intelligent automation.
- **2026-05** — Skild AI acquired Zebra's robotics automation business.
- **2026-03** — Opened a supplies manufacturing plant in Mexico to expand regional production capacity.
- **2026-02** — Approved an additional $1 billion share-repurchase authorization after reporting full-year 2025 results.
- **2025-10** — Completed the acquisition of Elo Touch Solutions, adding self-service, point-of-sale and interactive display technology.
- **2025-03** — Completed the acquisition of Photoneo, expanding Zebra's 3D machine-vision portfolio.

## Links

- Website: https://www.zebra.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zebra-technologies
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/zebratechnology
- GitHub: https://github.com/zebratechnologies
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ZebraTechnologies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZebraTechnologiesGlobal/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/zebra-technologies
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-13