June 2021

n NEWS NEWS n ROCKWELL AUTOMATION has taken an equity stake in the Texan motor developer and manufacturer, Infinitum Electric, as part of a $40m funding round that takes total funding in the company to date to $55m. Infinitum’s integrated motors, which use PCB (printed circuit board) stators instead of the copper wire and laminated iron cores of conventional motors, are claimed to be 10% more efficient, 50% lighter and smaller, and much quieter than conventional motors. The motors, which are based on a patented air-core stator technology, integrate variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and IoT in a compact package. They use lightweight materials and modular design to generate the same power in half the size and weight, and with a fraction of the carbon footprint, of standard motors. Infinitum plans to use the new investment to expand production of its IEs Series motors for commercial and industrial applications, and to complete development of its IEm Series motors for the electric vehicle market. Since Infinitum announced its motors last year, they have attracted the interest of HVAC, industrial and automotive suppliers. Infinitum’s founder and CEO, Ben Schuler, says: “We’re excited to ramp production of our motors after seeing significant demand in the commercial HVAC and industrial markets, as well as the growing interest from EV suppliers who see the potential a highly efficient, lightweight motor can deliver.” According to Bob Buttermore, vice- president and general manager of Rockwell Automation’s Power Control business, Rockwell sees the work that Infinitum is doing as “a natural extension of our growing business helping our customers to be more productive and sustainable. “Infinitum Electric addresses the entire lifecycle of the combined motor and variable-frequency drive – from its materials, to how it’s tested, produced, transported, assembled, used, and maintained,” he adds. “Their motor and variable-frequency drive packaged solution offers superior performance and efficiency, while emphasising usability, which is a key differentiator.” www.infinitumelectric.com Rockwell invests in PCB motor firm in $40m funding round www.binder-connector.co.uk M8 12 contacts Cable & panel mount connectors IP67 PUR-/PVC cable The new round of funding will allow Infinitum Electric to scale production