The conversation around revitalizing manufacturing in the United States, particularly in advanced technologies like drones and robotics, has gained significant traction. Michael Van Steenburg believes he is poised to lead this initiative.
After spending ten years developing various electric motors in the U.S. and North America, Van Steenburg now aims to launch his new venture, Modal Motors. His goal is to eliminate the use of rare earth magnets entirely, seeking to further distance U.S. manufacturing from Chinese supply chains.
As a participant in Startup Battlefield 200 competing at TechCrunch Disrupt next month, he feels the urgency of his message.
“China has already demonstrated its influence multiple times,” Van Steenburg noted, specifically mentioning its restrictions on rare earth materials.
While other firms are working to establish electric motor production and supply lines within the U.S., Van Steenburg contends that they are misguided by continuing to depend on rare earth magnets. He insists that a domestic supply of these materials is still years away.
“Others are ‘reshoring,’ but essentially just replicating Chinese motors in the U.S. They are optimistic about the speed at which U.S. rare earth magnet production will ramp up,” he explained. “However, it will take a considerable amount of time before they can truly compete with China.”
Modal Motors is working on two products in preparation for Disrupt. One is a compact electric motor designed for drones, but also suitable for fans, blowers, and actuators. The design focuses on “minimizing mass while maximizing torque density and efficiency,” according to the startup’s promotional material.
The company’s more innovative offering is the “Hybrid Enigma Drive,” a planar electric motor that can be utilized in tighter spaces.
Leveraging decades of automotive industry experience, Van Steenburg is focused on preparing these motors for market. There’s an interesting twist in his current work to offer a China-free alternative; in the late 1990s, he assisted in the development of a hybrid gas-electric drivetrain that was intended for a Chinese vehicle known as the “People’s Car.”
“It’s a bit ironic,” he reflected, reminiscing about that time and the significant changes that have occurred since. Despite these changes, he maintains his distinctive perspective and strong belief in pursuing challenging objectives.
“I always remind people that the countdown began 25 years ago. During that time, I have observed what feels like a slow-motion disaster, with China systematically acquiring mines and mineral rights, effectively monopolizing the entire rare earth supply chain,” he stated.
