Imagine changing the world of electric vehicles before even graduating high school. At just 17, Robert Sansone has done exactly that, armed with curiosity, pure drive, and a flair for tinkering that would make grown engineers jealous.
A Passionate Beginning: From Curiosity to Innovation
It all started with the kind of question only a truly passionate young mind could ask: what is the real impact of the magnets used in electric motors? For Robert Sansone, a student from Florida, this curiosity was more than fleeting. It fueled a journey of discovery, invention, and, as it turns out, recognition on a global scale.
At 17, Sansone designed an innovative electric motor that could dramatically alter the future of electric cars. The standout feature? His creation does not require any rare earth elements—a game-changing move given the current state of EV technology.
Recognition at the Pinnacle of Science Competitions
Robert Sansone’s electric motor was more than an ambitious project for a science fair. In 2022, his invention earned him the first prize at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. To put it mildly, this competition is considered the most prestigious global event for students in science and technology. Alongside the honor, Sansone received a $75,000 check, putting a clear spotlight on just how much interest his work generated within the scientific community.
The Technical Leap: A Motor Without Rare Earths
Sansone’s groundbreaking project is a synchronous reluctance motor that entirely forgoes permanent magnets. If “synchronous reluctance” sounds niche, that’s because it is—until now, this kind of technology lived mostly under the hoods of pumps and fans, not electric cars. Robert’s twist? He’s the first to adapt this system for vehicle propulsion.
Here’s what makes his approach remarkable:
- A 39% increase in torque compared to conventional models
- Total independence from expensive, hard-to-source materials
By removing rare earth elements from the equation, this motor promises:
- Lower production costs
- Improved sustainability
- Less reliance on countries like China, today’s main supplier of these materials
For the automotive sector, this development isn’t just progressive—it’s transformative. It opens the door to a more resilient, eco-friendly supply chain. That’s music to the ears of both business leaders and environmentalists.
One Tireless Young Inventor—With a Long Track Record
Robert isn’t exactly new to the world of innovation. Before this motor, he completed more than 60 personal projects. Some highlights? A robotic hand and a go-kart capable of hitting 110 km/h. Clearly, this is a young man who prefers the hum of a workshop to the humdrum of ordinary life.
His year-long commitment to the motor saw him using 3D printing, copper, and a steel rotor, meticulously refining his prototype. The foundation of his passion traces back to his earlier years, when the use of magnets in motors first piqued his interest—a reminder that big change often starts with a simple question.
Lessons from Robert Sansone: Innovation Knows No Age (or Budget)
What’s truly inspiring about Robert Sansone’s story is how innovation isn’t locked away in big labs or behind multimillion-dollar investments. Sometimes, it sparks in the mind of a teenager armed with tools, know-how, and relentless curiosity.
Should his motor be fully developed and scaled for industrial use, the electric mobility world might just have found its next major breakthrough—a solution that benefits not only companies, but also the environment and society at large. Who says only adults can reinvent the wheel?
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
