Richard's research is dominated by what he calls "information-rich metrology": the enhancement of manufacturing metrology through the use of a priori information, often utilising concepts from artificial intelligence. His current interests are the dimensional measurement of precision and additive manufactured structures. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) allows for almost infinite design freedom; a revolution in the way things are made, but a serious headache for those that have the measure the shape of the parts. Drawing on concepts such as machine learning and sensor fusion, Richard's research is changing the approach to quality control in manufacturing. Richard is recognised worldwide by his research into surface topography measurement, and his research has made a major contribution to the use of surface engineering and control in a wide range of industrial applications including advanced manufacturing, tribology, aerodynamics and even archeology. Complementing these advances in science, he has been prominent in precision engineering, with major industry collaborations involving advanced product manufacture and the recent production of an undergraduate textbook.