Zebra Technologies Demonstrates Generative AI on Mobile Devices

⇨ Zebra Technologies has successfully demonstrated a Generative Artificial Intelligence large language model running on handheld devices without needing cloud connectivity, enhancing productivity across various industries.

⇨ Recent SAPinsider research reveals that 67% of companies have partially defined AI objectives, highlighting the ongoing evolution of AI strategies and the applicability of AI within global supply chains, where 79% of companies are implementing or evaluating AI solutions.

⇨ On-device AI offers benefits such as enhanced privacy, reduced costs, and improved performance, allowing front-line workers to leverage advanced capabilities even in low-connectivity environments, while maintaining ethical standards in AI development.

A member of the SAP Software Partner Program since 1999, Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people, has successfully demonstrated a Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) large language model (LLM) running on Zebra handheld mobile computers and tablets without needing connectivity to the cloud.

This advancement empowers Zebra partners and customers to unlock productivity gains that could impact the future of work across industries from retail to warehouse and logistics to hospitality and healthcare. On-device execution of GenAI LLMs has the potential to empower front-line supply chain, manufacturing, asset management, field service and other distributed workers with new capabilities so they can deliver new outcomes for their end customers.

Recent SAPinsider research indicates that SAP organizations are still calibrating their strategic objectives around AI. In the research report, AI: State of Adoption 2024, more than two-thirds (67%) of companies reported that AI objectives are at best partially defined within corporate strategic plans or these AI objectives are actively being redefined. This indicates that AI strategies are still evolving, driven by rapid advancements in AI technology, changing market dynamics, and the need to stay competitive. Further, SAPinsider research suggests that distributed workforces like those deployed in global supply chain operations are ripe for AI applications, revealing that 79% of companies are currently using or implementing AI in supply chain, plan to implement AI within 24 months or are evaluating AI for supply chain applications.

On-device AI can offer additional personalization as well as enhanced privacy and security as data remains on the device. It also drives faster performance and lower costs as GenAI searches on the cloud can be expensive. A whitepaper published by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. suggests that GenAI-based search cost per query is estimated to increase by ten times compared to traditional search methods. By removing the need to utilize the cloud, costs can be reduced.

“Zebra’s devices are powerful platforms with cutting-edge software and AI models which we’re driving forward with our partner ecosystem to solve customer challenges and add value,” said Tom Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer, Zebra Technologies. “We’re taking GenAI to the mobile edge on-device and applying it to areas such as voice AI, computer vision, and machine vision software powered by deep learning as well as task and workflow software using orchestrated AI.”

Potential use cases for LLMs include improving associate effectiveness by enhancing their product and customer service knowledge, acting as an efficient internal communications tool by answering employee queries on things like store policies, collecting and analyzing feedback from associates to identify areas of improvement, enhancing productivity and increasing job satisfaction levels.

LLMs also have the potential to elevate the customer experience by powering personalized shopping assistants that could provide product recommendations, integrating shopping experiences across in-store, online, and mobile platforms as well as potentially enabling fully voice-activated shopping.

Zebra’s TC53/TC58 and TC73/TC78 mobile computers and ET6x Series tablets powered by Qualcomm Technologies – together with Zebra’s asset visibility and intelligent automation solutions – deliver elevated data insight, analysis and recommendations, problem-solving, planning and creativity. Front-line workers can utilize a smaller on-device model, even in rural, built-up and underground working environments where connection to the cloud may not be possible. Alternatively, users may switch to a cloud-based app or web browser GenAI tool via Zebra’s Wi-Fi 6/6E and 5G enabled devices.

“On-device generative AI is unlocking new and enhanced experiences across industries,” said Megha Daga, Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Qualcomm Technologies’ goal is to drive the transformation of industries, and we are doing that beginning with mobile devices. Zebra’s demonstration is showcasing the type of transformation we aim to achieve.”

This innovative solution from Zebra using a solution from Qualcomm Technologies reduces memory requirements and is built upon a wide array of open source and third-party models which are a significant part of Zebra’s strategy to deliver effective on-edge AI solutions across multiple industries.

“Zebra recognizes the importance of ethical and responsible AI,” said Andrea Mirabile, Director, AI Research, Zebra Technologies. “We are committed to ensuring our AI initiatives are aligned with federal guidance on accountability, ethical purpose and transparency and help set the standard related to delivering solutions to end-users. We also support the Business Roundtable AI Road Map and policy recommendations for responsible, appropriate, and ethical AI development and deployment.”

What this means for SAPinsiders

Participate in SAPinsider research. SAPinsider will be publishing a research report in December on AI in the Supply Chain that will explore the key drivers causing companies to adopt AI in supply chain, the primary strategies companies are deploying to operationalize AI in supply chain, the critical underlying capabilities that must be in place in order for AI to deliver durable outcomes, and the leading technology tools and providers companies are using to embed AI into supply chain processes and systems. Take the survey today and let your voice be heard!

Prioritize customization and contextual relevance. Companies should assess if the on-device GenAI solution allows for customization to incorporate specific knowledge bases, terminology, or operational protocols relevant to front-line tasks. A tailored model improves the relevance of responses and enhances task efficiency for workers. Also, on-device GenAI should offer contextually aware assistance, such as troubleshooting steps based on the equipment or products a worker is handling. This capability increases the practical utility of the solution and boosts productivity by offering relevant guidance.

Consider all mobile computing constraints when enabling GenAI on devices. Evaluating the computational demands of GenAI models on device battery and processing power is crucial. The solution should be optimized for mobile or low-power devices commonly used by field workers to avoid performance degradation or frequent recharging needs. Also, after operating in a disconnected mode, when connectivity is restored, the system should be able to synchronize efficiently with central databases, ensuring that data remains up-to-date across devices without creating data silos.