Key Takeaways:
- Automated Data Capturing (AIDC) and AI are revolutionizing retail, making operations more efficient and customer experiences more personalized.
- Unified commerce and agile technology keep retailers competitive and adaptable to market changes.
- Proven results from Industry Leaders show measurable gains in productivity and cost savings with Honeywell’s solutions.
Technology at the Forefront: NRF 2026 Highlights
The National Retail Federation’s Big Show 2026 in New York City showcased how technology is redefining retail. With 1,000+ exhibitors and 40,000 visitors, Honeywell’s main message was “Unleash Dynamic Commerce,” urging retailers to leverage real-time data, flexibility in automation, and AI to deliver seamless, personalized shopping and operational excellence.
Three Major Shifts Defining the Future of Retail
1. AI-First Retail Platforms:
At NRF 2026, artificial intelligence was no longer framed as an experiment or future promise. Retailers are actively deploying AI across stores, warehouses, and supply chains to drive real-time decision-making. From computer vision that improves inventory accuracy to predictive analytics that anticipate demand, AI is becoming part of the operational fabric.
For retail technology providers, the opportunity lies in delivering AI that works seamlessly with edge devices, sensors, and data capture solutions—where decisions happen.
2. Unified, Connected Retail Ecosystems:
Retailers are breaking down silos with cloud-based platforms and integrated data flows connecting POS, e-commerce, mobile, and social channels. This enables frictionless experiences—think buying online and picking up in-store—and lets teams respond quickly to customer needs, adjust prices, and run smarter promotions.
As e-commerce growth stabilizes, retailers are refocusing on the physical store as a critical performance engine. Improving store productivity, inventory visibility, and labor efficiency is now essential to protecting margins and customer experience.
3. Operational Agility & Resilience:
Automation (IoT sensors, RFID, RPA) and AI-powered decision tools are giving retailers real-time visibility and the ability to adapt quickly to disruptions. Predictive analytics help forecast sales, allocate inventory, and manage staff, keeping stores running smoothly even during volatility.
Retailers at NRF 2026 consistently emphasized the need for flexible and scalable automation. Fixed, one-size-fits-all systems are giving way to modular solutions that can adapt to changing demand, new fulfillment models, and evolving store formats.
The Evolution of AIDC: From Barcodes to Intelligent Networks
AIDC technology is undergoing rapid transformation, moving from simple barcode scanning to advanced, AI-powered data ecosystems. At NRF 2026, key trends included:
- Smarter, Integrated Systems: Barcode scanners, RFID readers, and sensors are now working with AI and IoT for real-time analytics and inventory accuracy.
- From Data Collection to Actionable Insights: Cloud-connected platforms manage devices, monitor performance, and deliver predictive alerts for fraud, anomalies, and inventory needs, right at the point of capture.
- Enhancing Operations and Customer Experience: Smart carts, self-checkout, and RFID-powered loss prevention automate manual tasks, reduce errors, and enable staff to focus on customer engagement and strategic work. These tools underpin unified commerce strategies and provide real-time visibility across online and physical stores.
- Summary of Evolutionary Shifts: The move to multi-modal data capture with AI integration means retailers can respond instantly to inventory changes, detect fraud, and personalize customer interactions, ensuring agility and a competitive edge.
- Empowering Staff and Streamlining Operations: AIDC helps to automatize decisions, reduces human error, and allows teams to focus on high-value work. Predictive analytics and smart sensors minimize waste, support sustainability, and help maintain compliance and security.
Honeywell’s NRF 2026 Booth: Solutions in Action
Honeywell’s flagship booth demonstrated 15 real-world retail scenarios, including:
- Agentic AI and In-Store Product Location: Personalized shopping, Tech integration, store assistance, and IT management powered by predictive models; in partnership with Vusion and Qualcomm.
- RFID Solutions: Tools for inventory management and productivity with compact, easy-to-use devices, launching CT70 Mobile Computer with RFID incorporated.
- Smart Returns Kiosk: Automated workflows using machine vision for efficient returns processing.
- Smart Pay: Additional capabilities in payment solutions including product recommendations in partnership with Google Cloud and Android Enterprise.
- Swift Worker Automation & Voice Picking: AR and voice technologies for efficient order fulfilment and quality checks as well as in-store operations
Proven Success: Lessons from Industry Leaders
Major retailers are already reaping the benefits of AIDC and AI technologies:
- Mobile computing and AIDC streamline inventory, boost productivity, and enable real-time visibility.
- Routine tasks such as tagging and returns are automated, freeing staff for customer engagement.
- AI-driven controls flag risks instantly, ensuring compliance and safeguarding assets.
- Innovations like machine vision, RFID, and voice-directed workflows raise the bar for efficiency and operational excellence.
Perhaps the most consistent message from NRF 2026 was a shift toward pragmatism. Retail leaders want technologies that deliver fast time to get value, measurable ROI, and proven scalability. Innovation for its own is losing relevance.
Successful retail technology partners will be those who can clearly link their solutions to tangible outcomes; fewer errors, faster throughput, safer environments, and more resilient operations.
Looking Forward: AIDC and AI as Retail’s Cornerstone
NRF 2026 made one thing clear: retail is entering its next operational era. While innovation remains important, the conversation has shifted decisively toward execution, scalability, and measurable impact. For technology providers supporting retailers at scale, these themes signal where real value is being created.
Honeywell’s vision empowers retailers to turn challenges into opportunities, using smart tools for greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. As retail trends move toward unified commerce, personalization, and automation, technology leaders like Honeywell are helping businesses stay agile and competitive; making retail better for staff, customers, and the entire community.
