Modal Motors, founded by Michael Van Steenburg, is developing electric motors designed to operate without rare earth magnets. The startup aims to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, which currently dominate the market for these materials.
The company is preparing to showcase two products at the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt event. The first is a compact electric motor for drones, fans, and actuators, engineered for high torque density and efficiency.
The second product, the Hybrid Enigma Drive, features a flat, planar design intended for use in low-profile spaces. Van Steenburg leverages his decade of experience in the automotive industry to bring these designs to market.
Van Steenburg argues that current domestic manufacturing efforts in the U.S. remain dependent on rare earth magnets, which are not yet available in sufficient quantities domestically. He views his magnet-free approach as a necessary alternative to existing supply chains.
