News & Insights
VIDEO: Unlocking the potential of practical robotics
Why this matters now
Robotics conversations have moved beyond hype. Labor shortages, safety pressures, and the need for repeatable quality are pushing manufacturers and infrastructure owners to look hard at automation. The challenge is sorting practical applications from interesting demonstrations. Owners want robotics that show up on the floor, integrate with what they already run, and deliver measurable value within a defensible payback window.
What leaders are weighing
Operations and engineering leaders are deciding where to start. They are weighing the appeal of broad automation strategies against the value of targeted projects that solve a specific problem. There are tradeoffs between off-the-shelf platforms and custom builds, between cobots that work next to people and full cells, and between investing in their own integration capability and partnering for it. Maintenance, safety, and IT all have legitimate concerns. The right path usually combines a clear use case, a thoughtful business case, and a roadmap that grows capability over time.
How Salas O’Brien is helping clients respond
Our advanced technologies team works with clients to identify, design, and deploy robotics that solve real operational problems. We help leaders pick the right starting point, evaluate platform options, and engineer solutions that fit the environment, the workforce, and the broader automation strategy. When the work calls for purpose-built systems, our in-house design capability brings them to life. Hear Ryan Thiem, Megan Pickett, Mac Mottley, Jon Vernau, Job Bedford, Harry Kleiser, and Dorothy Kirlew explain how practical robotics is showing up in client operations.
Job Bedford
Job Bedford is a Lead Robotics Systems Engineer and the technical lead for the Armor 1 project, the soon-to-be largest mobile robotics system in the world. With over a decade of robotics experience, he is committed to impacting clients and the world, making technical visions come to life, and keeping his team inspired and effective. Job serves as a Senior Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected]
Jon Vernau
Jon Vernau oversees the Advanced Technologies & Robotics team, spearheading initiatives in Automation, Engineering Strategies, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), and robotics applications in both DOD and industrial manufacturing facilities. With over 30 years of active-duty military and civilian experience with government clients, Jon is responsible for research and development, project origination and execution, resource allocation, and financial performance of the business line. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in driving success and growth for the team and the firm. Jon serves as a Managing Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected]
Harry Kleiser, PE
Harry Kleiser, PE leads Salas O’Brien’s federal group, driving strategic initiatives while fostering innovation and collaborative problem-solving. With 25+ years of experience alongside federal government agencies and working in the AEC industry, Harry is instrumental in developing and implementing project and program-specific solutions to address complex mission needs. Harry’s leadership is crucial in supporting growth and achieving excellence for both clients and Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected]
Dorothy Kirlew
Dorothy Kirlew is a Senior Robotics Software Engineer and serves as Head of Software for the Armor 1 mat sinking project, where she leads the development of new software solutions. With nearly a decade of experience in her field, she oversees software development, designing and implementing comprehensive testing procedures, and transforming prototype software into refined final products. Dorothy has been dedicated to the Armor 1 project for four years, drawing on her extensive expertise to drive success. Her career experience includes projects such as cube satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced vision systems for the visually impaired. Contact her at [email protected]
Mac Mottley
Mac Mottley is responsible for leading efforts in sustainability and energy strategies, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), and robotics applications in DOD, DOE and industrial manufacturing facilities. Facilitates the relationship with Carnegie Mellon University and the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) to develop technology transfer projects in automation and smart initiatives between NREC and DOD as well as private industry applications. Mac serves as a Senior Vice President for Salas O’Brien.