[citation needed] Robinson wrote over 650 publications, mainly on the Asteraceae, mosses (Bryophyta), Marchantiophyta, and the long-legged fly family Dolichopodidae (describing over 200 new species and 6 new genera, such as Harmstonia and Nanomyina) and many other subjects.
From 1960 to 1962 as assistant professor at Wofford College (Spartanburg, South Carolina), he became Associate Curator of lower plants at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington (1960–1962).
Robinson has made a detailed study of the many secondary metabolite chemicals found in the Eupatorieae tribe, such as alkaloids, (poly)acetylenes, and terpenoids (see Ichthyothere), together with Robert Merrill King [es] and Ferdinand Bohlmann.
[3] In 1974 Robinson named a new subtribe Luziolinae of oryzoid (= rice-like) grasses Poaceae, but this was not supported by molecular study.
[6] In 2010, Robinson received the Asa Gray Award, the highest honour of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists.