Team

At the front of any Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), excavation is one of the most critical functions, requiring effective removal of soil to maintain safe and continuous operation.

The Excavation Team focuses on automating the soil removal process at the cutterhead to enable remote operation, making tunnel excavation safer and more efficient. They also design and develop the extraction mechanism responsible for transporting excavated material away from the cutterhead.

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) require a complex articulating and navigation systems accounting for differing underground terrains to effectively dig.

The Propulsion Team leads the development of these systems, researching and designing control solutions that allow the TBM to steer and articulate effectively while digging. This includes work on mechanisms such as the six degree of freedom Stewart platform, which helps provide the precision and adaptability needed to navigate underground conditions. 

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) rely on robust electrical systems to power critical components, transmit sensor data, and enable reliable control during operation.

The Electrical Team focuses on designing and integrating the machine’s electrical architecture, including power distribution, motor and actuator control, embedded electronics, sensors, wiring, and safety systems. Their work ensures the TBM can operate efficiently and actively respond to changing conditions. 

Behind the physical operation of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a software layer that determines how the machine interprets commands and communicates with the team.

The Software Team focuses on developing the programming that drive the TBM’s operation, including inverse kinematics for systems such as the Stewart platform, and front-end GUI tools for monitoring and moving the machine. Their work enables smooth interaction between the TBM’s systems. 

Tunnel boring requires on strong structural design and a clear understanding of how the surrounding ground will behave during excavation.

The Civil & Geotech Team focuses on the design and analysis of tunnel support and ground interaction systems, including tunnel segment components, shoring solutions, geotechnical simulation, and pipe jacking design. Their work helps ensure the TBM can effectively dig longer lasting an structurally robust tunnels

Strong industry engagement is essential to ensuring the team’s work remains aligned with real-world tunnelling challenges and professional engineering practice.

The Industry Team focuses on building and maintaining relationships with external partners, sponsors, and organisations across the tunnelling and engineering sector, including Suburban Rail Loop and the Victorian Tunnelling Center. Their work helps connect the team with current industry knowledge, opportunities, and expectations.

The Events Team is responsible for organising activities that promote MBEST’s work, culture, and achievements. This includes inter-team events, showcases, industry nights, presentations, and other engagement opportunities. Their work helps strengthen team culture, highlight project progress, and create valuable opportunities for networking, outreach, and collaboration.

The Marketing Team focuses on promoting MBEST’s projects, achievements, and opportunities through branding, communications, and outreach. They create content that highlights technical progress, events, sponsorships, and recruitment, helping the team maintain a professional public presence. Their work supports audience engagement, sponsor visibility, and broader recognition across the university and industry communities.

The HR Team manages recruitment, onboarding, and the administrative processes that support MBEST’s members and subteams. This includes coordinating applications, interviews, internal communication, and general team administration. Their work helps ensure the team attracts capable members, operates smoothly, and maintains a positive and sustainable team culture.

The IT Subteam maintains MBEST’s digital infrastructure, including the team website, software access, technical documentation, and internal systems. Their work includes managing the website, distributing software licences, and organising shared team resources and documentation. By supporting these tools, the IT Subteam helps improve efficiency, consistency, and knowledge sharing across the team.