The electric motor is a cornerstone in our society. In fact, greater than half of all the electricity in the world is consumed by electric motors – electric motors are the single largest consumer of all the available electrical energy in the world. As society continues to usher in the age of “electrification”, the electric motor will play an even more significant role. Along with other uses, demand for electrical energy will rise sharply. This presents a serious challenge, possibly jeopardizing our high-tech, sustainable future. In the face of rapidly emerging world economies and the associated strain on resources and the environment due to mounting population pressure, it is crucial that technology supports sustainable development. We need more powerful, more efficient electric motors.