Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have revolutionized underground construction by enabling rapid and efficient tunnel excavation. While TBMs are often recognized for their size and capability to handle various geological conditions, their excavation speed is a critical performance metric. Below is an overview of some of the fastest TBMs in the world, highlighting their remarkable achievements:

   1. Robbins Mk 12C (Australia): This 3.4-meter-diameter TBM set a world record in August 1994 by excavating 172.4 meters in a single day during the Katoomba Carrier sewage tunnel project in the Blue Mountains, Australia.

   2. China Railway Tunnel Bureau’s "Grassland Anda" TBM，In Yin Chuo Ji Liao Section 4 Engineering project, Daily Advance: 101.12 meters.

   Features: China’s fastest daily advance record for an open-type TBM, overcoming water inflow challenges through optimized workflow and emergency protocols1.

   3. Kawasaki's TBM (Japan): Kawasaki Heavy Industries developed a TBM that achieved an unprecedented excavation speed of 1,200 meters per month, showcasing the machine's efficiency and the manufacturer's engineering excellence.

   4. Robbins Open-Type TBM (Australia): Over two decades ago, a Robbins open-type TBM set three world records while tunneling in Australia's Blue Mountains, earning the title of the world's fastest TBM—a record that still stands.

   These examples underscore the significant advancements in TBM technology, enabling faster and more efficient tunnel construction across various geological settings worldwide.