Tau recently showcased the validation of its new electric motor technology during Climate Week 2025 at a Columbia University symposium on energy innovation. The machine, called Gamma, is a software-defined motor built on a technology stack of advanced power electronics, controls, and hardware design that eliminates the need for rare earth magnets.
Traditional motor and actuator technologies in vehicles, drones, and industrial applications typically require rare earth metals to achieve high efficiencies and power densities.
These materials, largely sourced from China, are costly, representing roughly half the cost of an EV motor despite making up only a fraction of the total materials. Their environmental impact is also significant, with the mining and processing of one ton of neodymium producing over 2,000 tons of toxic waste.
By contrast, the Gamma machine removes the dependency on rare earth materials while delivering high efficiency across a wide operating range. Each operating point can be optimized through software rather than constrained by fixed hardware tradeoffs. The result is a performance envelope that exceeds conventional permanent-magnet machines in both torque and power, while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Key benefits of the Gamma technology include:
- High efficiency across a tunable operating range
- Greater torque and power compared to conventional permanent-magnet machines
- Lower system costs by removing rare-earth dependencies
- Increased power density without added packaging requirements
- Reduced CO₂ footprint and environmental impact
- Enhanced reliability and fewer failure modes with diagnostic capability
- On-demand boost capability for dynamic performance
- Improved supply chain resiliency and independence from critical materials
The announcement follows third-party validation of the Gamma concept and its commercial development. Tau is collaborating with commercial partners in automotive, industrial, and other sectors to accelerate electrification efforts and bring the Gamma system to market.
Filed Under: Electric Motor, Technology News