Gamuda to export AI-driven tunnelling system with US partner

PUTRAJAYA, 22 AUGUST 2026 —

EXPORTING MALAYSIAN EXPERTISE, ONE TUNNEL AT A TIME

In 2001, Gamuda led a consortium to propose the 9.7-kilometre SMART tunnel, a dual-purpose system designed to mitigate flash floods and ease traffic congestion in the capital. The project not only earned industry accolades but also provided Gamuda with critical insights into Kuala Lumpur’s complex geological terrain, including weathered limestone formations.

This expertise later proved invaluable in executing the Kajang and Putrajaya MRT lines, where the company refined its tunnelling techniques across mixed and challenging ground conditions.

The company’s breakthrough came with the development of its AI-powered Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (A-TBM) system, which integrates real-time sensor data and plug-and-play automation to enhance precision in tunnelling. Unlike traditional systems that falter in unstable ground, Gamuda’s A-TBM adapts dynamically to changing conditions, ensuring continuous and safe excavation. This technology was successfully deployed in Sydney earlier this year, where a compact, briefcase-sized control unit managed two TBMs for the Sydney Metro West-Western Tunnelling Package.

Closer to home, Gamuda’s adaptable system played a role in Singapore’s Cross Island Line Phase 1, where it facilitated the docking of TBMs for the CR7 Station and Tunnels. Preparation for Phase 2, including tunnelling works at CR18 Station, is already underway, demonstrating the system’s scalability and reliability in diverse environments.

“Even if each TBM is custom-made for a specific project, our software is adaptable,” said John Lim Ji Xiong, Gamuda’s group chief digital officer and head of Gamuda Technologies. “Our system’s strength lies in its ability to adjust to varying ground conditions based on real-time sensor data, ensuring consistent performance regardless of terrain.”

Gamuda’s global ambitions received a significant boost in May this year with a strategic partnership with US-based Robbins Company, a pioneer in hard-rock tunnelling since 1951. Under the agreement, Robbins will adopt and deploy Gamuda’s A-TBM technology on non-Gamuda projects internationally, including in North America and India. This marks the first instance of Gamuda’s technology being utilised outside its own projects, signalling a new phase in the commercialisation of Malaysian engineering innovation.

Lim emphasised that Gamuda’s solution is compatible with all TBM brands, catering to the diverse preferences of global clients. “The partnership with Robbins is a strong validation of our A-TBM system,” he said. “It reflects the marketplace’s confidence in our technology, which is rooted in solving real-world challenges rather than theoretical models.”

Liew Kit Shen, technical product manager at Gamuda Technologies, highlighted that the A-TBM system was born out of necessity, addressing unpredictable ground conditions and tight project deadlines. “Every feature in the system exists because we needed it to solve a problem we faced on-site,” he explained. “It’s not a product of desktop modelling but a solution forged in the field.”

Steve Chorley, vice president of Robbins’ operations, echoed this sentiment, noting that Gamuda’s system addressed longstanding limitations in automated tunnelling. “Previous systems struggled with ground instability, often causing machines to halt unexpectedly,” he said. “The Gamuda A-TBM, however, has demonstrated resilience and precision in real-world conditions, exceeding our expectations.”

Beyond its commercial implications, the collaboration underscores Malaysia’s evolving role in the global infrastructure sector. As the country celebrates Merdeka and Hari Malaysia, Gamuda’s ability to export high-value engineering solutions reflects Malaysia’s transition from a consumer of technology to a creator of cutting-edge innovations.

“We are proud to showcase something that is made in Malaysia, by Malaysians, for the world,” Lim said. “This partnership is not just about exporting a product; it’s about exporting expertise and setting new benchmarks in tunnelling technology.”

Industry observers view this development as a testament to Malaysia’s growing capabilities in niche engineering sectors. With infrastructure demand surging across Asia, Africa, and beyond, Malaysian firms like Gamuda are well-positioned to compete on the global stage, offering solutions that combine traditional expertise with modern digital advancements.

As Gamuda and Robbins prepare to roll out the A-TBM system internationally, the collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships between Malaysian innovators and global industry leaders. For a nation that has long relied on foreign technology, this milestone marks a significant step toward self-sufficiency and leadership in high-tech infrastructure development.

Related: Gamuda · Putrajaya