ProMat 2025: Zebra Technologies unveils Aurora Velocity scan tunnel

Frontline workflow digitization and automation systems provider Zebra Technologies Corporation recently announced new systems to help deliver better asset visibility and higher throughput.

These technologies are designed to help advance automation across manufacturing, warehousing, and supply chain operations 

The company showcased its portfolio of new and current systems at ProMat 2025. The trade show was held March 17-20 in Chicago, Ill.

Zebra will also showcase its systems at Automate 2025 in booth 3207. The trade show is being hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) May 12-15 at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit, Mich.

AI-powered Aurora Velocity scan tunnel

ProMat attendees were able to see Zebra‘s new Aurora Velocity scan tunnel that can help ensure efficient, reduced-error package sorting and routing to drive automated warehouse operations. 

Available now in North America, Velocity uses centralized processing to deliver barcode reading at high speeds, while its scalable architecture makes it easy and cost effective to combine multiple machine vision capabilities in a single scan tunnel. 

These capabilities include dimensioning, AI-powered hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and dangerous goods label detection, optical character recognition (OCR), and package damage inspection. 

Furthermore, Velocity can seamlessly integrate additional functionality such as RFID, weighing, and print and apply.

Zebra Warehousing Vision Study

According to the latest Zebra Warehousing Vision Study, customer demands are evolving rapidly, placing a majority (70%) of warehouse decision makers under high pressure to modernize their operations.

 With 63% of decision-makers planning to accelerate modernization initiatives and investments in labor optimization in the next five years, AI and workflow automation are set to transform warehousing operations.

“Zebra is deeply committed to providing technology that improves frontline performance today while shaping the future of workflows with collaborative solutions that empower our customers to achieve unprecedented efficiency,” said Andy Zosel, Zebra Technologies SVP and GM of intelligent automation. “Our ProMat booth visitors will experience how our solutions automate critical business workflows by leveraging advanced technologies such as machine vision, mobile computers, robotics, RFID, and AI.” 

Scanners, wearables, and more at ProMat

Zebra showcased several other systems at ProMat, including: 

FS80 fixed industrial scanner

The FS80 fixed industrial scanner is designed to tackle challenges in warehouse, logistics, and distribution center environments. Its integrated lighting, enhanced read rates, and extended depth-of-field make it useful for businesses seeking to improve their automated applications driven by machine learning and track-and-trace systems. 

WS501 wearable computer

The WS501 is the latest addition to Zebra’s wearable technology offerings. This powerful Android mobile computer is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it supports multiple applications with mobile computing, scanning, communication, and collaboration capabilities. With the Zebra DNA software suite, it can deliver uninterrupted connectivity for workflows. 

Guardian fleet management

Zebra Guardian is an integrated system with four components for fleets of mobile computers. It provides secure device log-in, access control, device recovery, and loss and theft prevention, ensuring employees always have ready-to-use devices. Identity Guardian uses facial biometrics and single sign on (SSO) authentication for convenient access, and Device Guardian offers cloud-based visibility for quick recovery. Device Guardian Access Management provides real-time charging status while Guardian Cabinets securely store and charge devices, optimizing fleet management and efficiency across the portfolio. 

Symmetry Fulfillment

Zebra Symmetry Fulfillment, launched earlier this year, is an assisted picking system that combines autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with wearable technologies, software, and analytics to boost productivity and cut costs. The AI-powered system enables workers to load and unload orders to and from carts without requiring the AMR to remain permanently attached to each cart, increasing utilization and reducing the number of AMRs required by up to 30%.  

Tread Intel

Zebra Tread Intel automates tire tread depth measurements, helping to reduce labor costs and manual errors. Designed to work with Zebra’s TC78 and TC58e mobile computers, this system utilizes Zebra OCR Wedge optical recognition software to capture essential data, enhance passenger safety, and improve efficiency in vehicle fleet operations.