Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-00289) pertaining to the Savings Plan for Union Employees of Robbins & Myers, Inc. of our report dated April 16, 2002, with respect to the financial statements and schedule of the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Savings Plan for Union Employees included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Dayton, Ohio June 26, 2002