Warehouse Automation Without the Mega-Project | Rob O'Dea, ShelfBot

Most warehouses haven't changed in 30 years. Here's how to automate without betting the business on a mega-project. In this episode, Rob O'Dea, founder of ShelfBot, unpacks the real blockers stopping warehouses from taking the first step into automation — and how to move past them. We cover: - Why SAP integration complexity and over-engineered solutions kill projects before they start - The 80/20 mindset: why chasing the last 20% explodes cost and complexity - The human reality of warehouse picking — 10 to 15 km per day per operator - Hidden costs and safety risks including fire suppression and lithium-ion battery concerns - How to reduce the fear factor and take a practical first step into automation Whether you're a manufacturer, 3PL operator, or e-commerce business looking to scale, this episode gives you a practical framework for starting automation the right way. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/73-the-hilux-approach-to-warehouse-automation-with-rob-odea/