The minimum wage has been flat for almost 2 decades. It is not pegged to inflation. I do not think the current minimum wage had anything to do with this automation attempt.
It does in warehousing - out in The Inland Empire, Ontario, Fontana, etc. Every warehouse owner is looking for ways to get rid of people rather than pay them $15 an hour. Current warehouse wage is $11.50 - the $15 wage is driving warehouse automation at a rapid pace.
The PROPOSED minimum wage is at least partly responsible. If you have to pay $15 an hour for work valued at $10 or $12 you need more efficiency.