Work

PASSENGER business case 2: gearmotors and actuators

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Global demand for compact motion systems in industrial automation, robotics and electromechanical actuation is increasing rapidly. Gearmotors and actuators serve as key components in numerous industrial and automotive subsystems, delivering controlled motion, force transmission, and precision positioning. However, most commercial gearmotors today depend on NdFeB-based permanent magnet motors, creating a production dependency on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), such as neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy), which are almost entirely imported from outside Europe. The PASSENGER project develops Rare Earth-free permanent magnets based on Manganese–Aluminium–Carbon (MnAlC) () and Strontium Ferrite (Sr-ferrite). These materials offer European alternatives to NdFeB magnets, enabling CRM substitution in electric motors and motion drive systems. This business case evaluates the market potential for integrating PASSENGER magnets in gearmotors and actuators while highlighting their economic feasibility, supply chain stability and sustainability advantages.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17458618

Author: Karatzia, Maria

Institution: European Science Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic Properties of Alloys

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission