The Franklin Institute Awards have been ongoing for 185 years, and continue to recognise the greatest men and women in science, engineering and technology. Mr Robbins said “When I reflect on the process of the award, and the fact that only one engineer is picked per year, I am truly honoured and amazed.”

Mr Robbins’ father developed the first rock tunnel boring machine in 1952 and founded The Robbins Company, which is now a worldwide business with representation in over 25 countries. Richard Robbins has been responsible for leading or creating the company’s subsequent innovations, from large diameter hard rock disc cutters to the first Double Shield TBM for Italy’s Orichella Project in 1972.

“One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on is the Channel Tunnel. We designed machines that successfully bored through water-bearing ground at 10 bar pressure — a much higher pressure than had ever been done before,” said Mr Robbins. The 39 km (24 mi) long Channel Tunnel was completed in 1991, following the use of five Robbins shielded TBMs placing precast concrete segments.

Another career highlight was a machine developed for the RER metro system in Paris, France in 1965. “We created the world’s first below water, pressure bulkhead shielded machine using air pressure.”

Article continues below…

Richard Robbins continues to work in the tunnelling industry as a member of the Board of Directors of The Robbins Company and as a collaborator in development projects. He sees much work to be done in the future.