Modal Motors, a startup, is developing compact, lightweight electric motors that eliminate the need for rare-earth magnets, targeting applications in drones, fans, and robots. The company aims to break China's dominant position in the electric motor supply chain by removing reliance on rare-earth materials that are heavily concentrated in Chinese production.
Background
China controls approximately 80% of global rare-earth magnet production, making Western manufacturers of drones, EVs, and robotics heavily dependent on Chinese sourcing. Efforts to develop alternative motor technologies without neodymium or samarium-cobalt magnets have accelerated due to geopolitical tensions and export restrictions.
- Source
- TechCrunch
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026 at 03:05 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10