Zebra WS501-R

Optimize Efficiency and Accuracy with Enterprise-class UHF RFID

The WS501-R combines an Android computer, UHF RFID reader and enterprise barcode imager in a single wearable. Workers can identify tagged items and run the workflow application without holding a separate reader or pairing the wearable to another mobile computer. RFID range, antenna direction and read behavior are configurable, so deployments should be tuned to the tag population and workflow rather than relying on a single maximum-range setting.

Advanced Enterprise-class Barcode Scanning

The integrated SR560 reads 1D and 2D barcodes, including supported damaged or poorly printed codes and barcodes captured in motion. Its wide field of view helps with large labels, and the wearable placement keeps capture close to the worker's natural hand movement.

Advanced Touchscreen Display for Easy Viewing

The 2-inch AMOLED touchscreen presents instructions, item information and confirmations with high contrast, while Zebra TruPalette supports optimized color presentation. Programmable buttons provide tactile shortcuts, and supported push-to-talk software can connect workers without a separate voice device.

Save Time with Programmable Buttons

The 2-inch AMOLED touchscreen presents instructions, item information and confirmations with high contrast, while Zebra TruPalette supports optimized color presentation. Programmable buttons provide tactile shortcuts, and supported push-to-talk software can connect workers without a separate voice device.

Full-shift Power

The battery is designed for full-shift use under Zebra's specified operating profile and can charge in under three hours with supported equipment. Hot swap preserves the active session during a battery change, reducing the need to close and relaunch the workflow.

A Small Device Built for Big Business

IP65 sealing protects the computer against dust and water jets, and the housing is designed for repeated drops and tumbles. A replaceable protective front shell allows worn display and scan-window protection to be serviced without replacing the full computer. Typical uses include item picking, inventory counts, receiving, putaway, load verification, manufacturing work-in-process and transportation handoffs.

More Processing Power and Memory for Multi-app Performance

The Qualcomm QCS2290 platform runs at up to 2.0 GHz with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB Flash, providing three times the memory and four times the storage of the WS50. That headroom supports multiple modern applications and larger local data sets while preserving a compact wearable form. The integrated upward-facing antenna is suited to reading tags as the worker reaches toward an item. An optional external downward-facing antenna can read tags below or beside the hand, allowing the same device family to support different movement patterns.

Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi Connections

Wi-Fi 6 supports enterprise applications and voice on compatible networks, while Bluetooth 5.3 connects approved peripherals. Wireless performance depends on regional settings, installed infrastructure and peripheral compatibility. Supported configurations can read compatible UHF RFID tags at distances up to 5 ft., with performance affected by tag type, orientation, material, environment and regulatory region. Read power can be configured dynamically or set for close-range item picking, broader load verification and other dense-tag environments where excessive reads must be avoided.

Blazing Bluetooth Peripheral Performance

Wi-Fi 6 supports enterprise applications and voice on compatible networks, while Bluetooth 5.3 connects approved peripherals. Wireless performance depends on regional settings, installed infrastructure and peripheral compatibility. The antenna system is designed to capture tags through a broad range of device and tag orientations instead of requiring a perfectly aligned scan. That flexibility matters when workers are moving cartons, checking mixed loads or reaching into shelves where tags are not consistently placed.

All-in-one—No Host Required

Zebra multi-barcode capabilities can capture multiple barcodes in a single trigger pull and send only the required data to the application. This can accelerate receiving and verification workflows that otherwise require workers to scan several labels individually.

Wear It Your Way with Three Flexible Wearing Styles

The WS501-R supports wrist, two-finger and back-of-hand configurations so the antenna, screen and controls can be positioned for the job. The modular approach lets operations standardize software while matching the physical mount to picking, inventory and loading workflows.

Push-to-talk (PTT) Support for Better Collaboration

The 2-inch AMOLED touchscreen presents instructions, item information and confirmations with high contrast, while Zebra TruPalette supports optimized color presentation. Programmable buttons provide tactile shortcuts, and supported push-to-talk software can connect workers without a separate voice device.

Easily Integrate into Your Environment

Zebra EMDK and DataWedge support application development and RFID/barcode data delivery, while Mx, LifeGuard and Enterprise Home Screen help secure and control the device. Zebra DNA Cloud, supported enterprise mobility-management tools and Device Guardian can simplify administration and locating shared devices when the appropriate licenses and services are configured.

Quickly Locate Lost Devices

Zebra EMDK and DataWedge support application development and RFID/barcode data delivery, while Mx, LifeGuard and Enterprise Home Screen help secure and control the device. Zebra DNA Cloud, supported enterprise mobility-management tools and Device Guardian can simplify administration and locating shared devices when the appropriate licenses and services are configured.

Increase Device and Data Security

Zebra EMDK and DataWedge support application development and RFID/barcode data delivery, while Mx, LifeGuard and Enterprise Home Screen help secure and control the device. Zebra DNA Cloud, supported enterprise mobility-management tools and Device Guardian can simplify administration and locating shared devices when the appropriate licenses and services are configured.

Simplify Deployment and Lifecycle Management

Zebra EMDK and DataWedge support application development and RFID/barcode data delivery, while Mx, LifeGuard and Enterprise Home Screen help secure and control the device. Zebra DNA Cloud, supported enterprise mobility-management tools and Device Guardian can simplify administration and locating shared devices when the appropriate licenses and services are configured.