He invented the first track circuit used in railway signaling, a major development that improved railroad safety and efficiency.

[1]: 59  He came to the United States as a boy and lived in Brooklyn, New York for much of his adult life.

Robinson began developing an automatic block signal system for railroads in 1867.

This company, holding valuable patents on track circuit designs, was acquired by the newly formed Union Switch and Signal (US&S) in 1881.

[1]: 63 Following the sale of Union Electric Signal to US&S, Robinson turned his attention to other fields, particularly mechanical inventions.