ASBSH Member Profile

ASBSH Member Profile: Peter Robinson

ABHR spoke to Peter Robinson, research engineer at the University of Newcastle and member of the Australian Society of Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH).

ABHR spoke to Peter Robinson, research engineer at the University of Newcastle and member of the Australian Society of Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH).

I have been a member of ASBSH since… 

2023.

I am a member of ASBSH because…

I am fortunate enough to live in perhaps the strongest mining region on the East Coast – Newcastle. 

Minerals and resources drive the local economy and foster a constant need for research and innovation. As a research engineer with the University of Newcastle, I am privileged to work across a variety of projects in bulk material handling.

I am currently researching… 

methods to improve the efficiency of material handling systems. Primarily, my background is belt conveying, and these have seen a constant need in recent decades to become longer, faster, and more efficient. 

Key research areas include reducing the Indentation Rolling Resistance (IRR) of conveyor belts, defining the frictional characteristics between a belt and pulley, and developing new conveying technologies.

I love my current work because…

no two projects are the same. The nature of research is that it hasn’t been done before, and therefore there is never a feeling of repetition. Working at the university also enables easy collaboration with other areas of engineering (mechatronics, civil, chemical), as well as applied mathematicians, computer scientists and other researchers. 

Teaching into undergraduate courses also enables me to shape future engineers, so they are ready to hit the ground running once they graduate.

My career highlight is… 

the partnerships that I have developed. Research is a two-way street; researchers must understand the current needs of industry, and once the research is complete, have pathways to translate the outcomes to industry. The relationships that I have built over my career have drastically simplified this process.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is… 

never overcommit to a client; always provide clear and achievable deliverables and timelines. Thankfully, I learnt this from a senior colleague and not the hard way.

My plans for the future are… 

to focus on the translation of research to industry. This is a key requirement in my role, to ensure that current research has real, tangible benefits to industry. 

When I am not working you will probably find me… 

spending time with my family, most likely caravanning or fishing. The next best thing about this region on the East Coast is the beaches and local fishing. I am definitely looking forward to the warmer weather over Summer, and the fishing this brings. 

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