Episode 110 | The New Era of Agile Warehouse Automation | Ayman Labib

From retrofitting automation into existing warehouses to redefining how fast robotics can be deployed, SIMPL Automation is pioneering a more flexible, less disruptive path toward warehouse transformation.

In this episode, Ayman Labib, co-founder and CEO of SIMPL Automation, shares how his 25+ years in manufacturing and integration led him to build a company that’s challenging the traditional timelines, costs, and risks of warehouse automation.

We explore how adaptive ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems) can bolt onto existing racking, why simplicity and speed are key to driving adoption, and how his team is bringing “Lego-like” modularity and 4G-enabled plug-and-play design into the world of logistics technology.

Highlights:

Ayman’s path from engineer and automation consultant to co-founding Simpl Automation — and the pivotal lessons from years in manufacturing and integration.
How Simpl’s adaptive ASRS technology “snaps on” to existing storage systems, minimizing disruption and implementation time.
The company’s mission to de-risk automation for customers — allowing one-aisle-at-a-time pilots that prove value before full rollout.
Solving for space, scalability, and ROI - enabling customers to extend the life of their facilities and improve density without rebuilding infrastructure.
The “Simpl-in-a-Box” concept: deploying full systems with private 4G networks that stay outside customer firewalls for faster, safer deployment.
Lessons from early engineering challenges — and how localization, vibration, and racking variation shaped the system’s evolution.
Why focus, speed, and incremental improvement drive the company’s leadership philosophy and product development culture.
Navigating the early startup grind — from cash flow and customer acquisition to attracting top talent and leveraging long-term industry networks.
Ayman’s take on the future of warehouse automation — faster implementation cycles, increased consolidation, and humanoids entering the workforce.
How AI fits in: optimizing routes, handling “non-happy path” recoveries, and becoming the adaptive brain of warehouse operations.
Candid advice for founders: know your total addressable market, plan for double the time and capital, and aim for commercial viability before perfection.

Learn more about Simpl Automation: https://simplautomation.com (Simple without the “e”)

More about Ayman Labib:   / ayman-l-45a3ba4  

Connect with Greg Toroosian:   / gregtoroosian  

01:02 Early Influences and Career Path
03:23 Founding Simpl Automation
05:13 Disrupting Warehouse Automation
07:19 Adaptive ASRS Explained
09:11 Reducing Risk & Cost for Customers
11:14 Space Efficiency and Scalability
11:55 Core Tech & Engineering Challenges
16:16 Modularity and Flexibility
19:36 Business Models: CapEx vs RaaS
21:12 Startup Challenges & Early Growth
22:35 Building the Right Team
26:37 Leadership Lessons & Focus
28:17 The Future of Warehouse Automation
30:20 The Role of AI in Robotics
31:44 Advice for Robotics Founders
33:09 Accelerators & Networks
35:38 Fun Q&A – Personal Chore Bots
39:48 Wrap-Up & Where to Learn More