At just 17, he invents an electric motor that could change everything—no rare earth magnets needed

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• A Prize-Winning Teenage Breakthrough
• Innovation: Reinventing the Wheel—or Rather, the Motor
• Why Ditch Rare Earth Magnets?
• The Passion and Persistence behind the Prototype

What were you up to at seventeen? While most of us were mastering the fine art of procrastination and maybe upgrading a bicycle, Robert Sansone was out there inventing an electric motor that could shake up the entire automotive industry—proving that big changes sometimes start in surprisingly small garages.

A Prize-Winning Teenage Breakthrough

Robert Sansone, a 17-year-old with a boundless passion for mechanics, clinched first prize at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2022. This competition stands at the pinnacle for students in science and technology worldwide. But what really spoke volumes about his achievement wasn’t just the gold medal—it was the check for $75,000 that came with it. That’s right, it turns out that revolutionizing electric motors gets noticed!

Innovation: Reinventing the Wheel—or Rather, the Motor

So, what sets Sansone’s project apart? His focus was on a type of synchronous reluctance motor that operates without permanent magnets. Motors of this kind aren’t entirely new—they’ve long served reliably in pumps and ventilation systems. But using them for electric vehicles? That’s a fresh spin (pun unavoidable) never tried before.

In a world where electric vehicles are racing ahead (whether you’re ready for them or not), Sansone’s motor achieved something remarkable. His prototype delivered a torque boost of 39% over conventional models. Even more impressively, it does away with rare and costly materials—the kind whose mining leaves a significant environmental footprint. Bye-bye, rare earth magnets; hello, smarter engineering.

Why Ditch Rare Earth Magnets?

The beauty of a magnet-free motor goes beyond simple geek appeal. Consider these practical advantages:

• Lower production costs: No rare elements means a lighter burden on your wallet and the planet.
• Industrial independence: With no reliance on countries like China, which currently dominates rare material exports, manufacturers can breathe a little easier.
• Greener automotive supply chains: Reducing the environmental harm of raw material extraction benefits everyone (except, perhaps, magnet miners).
• Less vulnerability to geopolitical tension: Fewer supply shocks for your favorite future car.

The Passion and Persistence behind the Prototype

Sansone didn’t snap his fingers and magic up this prototype. It took a full year, a real exercise in patience and perseverance. His tools? A 3D printer, copper wire, and a steel rotor. Forget massive industry labs or billionaire-scale budgets—the innovation happened with what he had on hand and a hefty dose of ambition.

To say this isn’t his first rodeo would be an understatement. Under his belt are more than sixty personal projects. Highlights include a robotic hand and a kart capable of hitting 110 km/h. But his fascination with electric motors started years ago, prompted by his awareness of the sustainability issues tied to traditional magnets.

Sansone’s story is a clear reminder that game-changing innovation isn’t exclusive to mega-factories or elite research teams. If fully developed and brought to market, his motor could revolutionize the electric car industry, bringing about real benefits for both the economy and the environment.

So next time someone tells you that one person’s idea can’t make a difference, you’ve got a winning example in Robert Sansone—a teenager who just might have set the wheels in motion for a more affordable, sustainable electric future.