Google比尔·罗宾逊诞辰81周年标志

比尔·罗宾逊诞辰 81 周年
2019年10月2日

“Theres only one rule, and that is ‘Try, try, try,” said Dr. William Robinson, widely hailed as one of New Zealands most versatile and accomplished scientists. Todays Doodle, illustrated by Wellington-based guest artist Jez Tuya, celebrates the inventor of the “quake breaker,” a lead-rubber bearing that is still used to protect large buildings from seismic waves, preventing earthquake damage.

Born on this day in 1938 into a working-class family, Robinson went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Auckland University. In 1974, Robinson designed a device made from rubber and steel with lead at its core, intending to fit his invention to the foundations of large structures in order to isolate them from ground movements.

Robinsons invention is now used on many buildings and bridges around the world, including Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the device saved many lives at Christchurch Womens Hospital, as the buildings foundation swayed gently instead of collapsing in the quake.

In 1995, Robinson founded Robinson Seismic, a company specialising in isolation technology. He also pursued research in other fields, including high-temperature superconductivity. A fellow of New Zealands Royal Society, in 1998 Robinson received the Rutherford Medal, his countrys most prestigious science and technology award. In 2014, the Robinson Research Institute was established in his honor at Victoria University in his hometown of Wellington.

“Ive invented more devices which have failed than devices which have been a success,” said Robinson in a 2007 interview. “Youve gotta be willing to actually try and fail and learn from your failure.”

Thanks to an innovator who never stopped trying—and whose work will continue saving lives for many decades to come.