HEADCANON
Robert is very physically affectionate.
Like--he just needs to be in any form of physical touch to the people he trusts.
Because all those times being all alone as Mecha man makes him desperate for any sort of physical touch. But of course it's only reserved for people he especially trust.
He occasionally hugs Chase. Which the other doesn't mind but will say some snarky shit like ' stop being so clingy fucker. ' but is the last one to let go of the embrace.
He always snuggles up to Beef. The fat dog is always at the receiving end of his pets, scratches , head kisses, etc. He always spoils the dog with his affection. He definitely gives the dog kisses every hour.
Royd immediately had access to those hugs, it's hard not to trust the man (for Robert, others are intimidated by the huge stature of that man to trust him immediately).
Now, that really isn't the problem here. The problem is---that most of the victims of his endless affection are ex-villains.
Ex-villains who probably hasn't experienced such genuine physical affection, since all the physical touch they mostly get are friendly pats from each other or, well--punches and kicks from enemies. The closest they get as a "physical affection" are sexual touches--which are not likely genuine--but it's physical enough.
Of course this is not done without consent. He asked very seriously fist if he could do so and he was answered with half-assed agreement and teasing like--"why don't you take it up a notch? We're tots up to handjobs--" because the z team didn't believe that he'd actually commit--
So now, Robert Robertson the third. Their man in the table. Their dispatcher. And the man they all collectively are in (complicated) love with, is just very naturally giving them warm hugs, gentle pats, and small kisses.
Robert just going around the z team-- pressing his forehead against waterboy as he gives the kid positive affirmations, patting Sonar's fur then then softly kissing his ear, kissing Flambae's cut off fingers with those sad doe eyes, patting Invisigal's head, cuddling up to Golem, gently kissing Punch up's bandaged knuckle's, rubbing and placing gentle kisses on Coupe's bruises after another bar fight, nuzzling up to Malevola as he leaned to rest upon her, kissing Prism's cheek--
All of them are left blushing, frozen, having seizures, screeching(that's sonar), fumbling, tripping in their own feet, and just falling deeper in love with this man.
And if that wasn't enough, he looks at them with that damn fucking tired big brown doe eyes--full of that warm fuzzy love---Look they just can't handle it okay?!?! This is to much!!
Also, did I mention that their still currently not in a relationship?? You can only imagine the intensity of once they are.