South Korean Deep Tech Company EFLOW's Next-Generation "Compact AFPM Motor" Overcomes Limitations of Conventional Motors; JASP Inc. Begins Operations in Japan

EFLOW, a South Korean deep tech company specializing in the design and mass production of mid-to-small-sized AFPM (Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Motors), which are rare globally, has announced its next-generation compact AFPM motor solution that addresses the challenges of conventional cylindrical radial motors.

With the concept of "From the ground to space with the smallest heart," EFLOW has achieved a thickness reduction of approximately 60%, a doubling of torque density, and a reduction in production costs of up to 50% compared to conventional radial motors, while maintaining the same output, thanks to its unique pancake structure and manufacturing technology.

Building on its track record of adoption in the supply chains of global companies, including the European market, EFLOW will now fully embark on expanding into Asian markets, including Japan, and North America.

Background of Development: Challenges of Conventional Radial Motors

In recent years, with the expansion of advanced fields such as robotics, drones, and artificial satellites, the demand for motors has increased for miniaturization, higher efficiency, and high-precision control. Meanwhile, the core radial motor, widely adopted for many years, faces the following challenges for further performance improvement due to its structural characteristics:

Improved Energy Efficiency Motors account for a significant portion of global electricity consumption. Amidst growing demand for energy saving, conventional structures are considered to have reached their limits for further efficiency improvements.

Response to Miniaturization and Weight Reduction Cylindrical structures inherently have a certain thickness and weight. Therefore, miniaturization and weight reduction are critical issues for applications where weight directly impacts performance and operational costs, such as extending flight times for drones or reducing launch costs for artificial satellites.

Heat Generation and Control Performance In some applications, further performance improvements are required, such as addressing the impact of heat generation on continuous operation performance and the influence of cogging torque on control accuracy.

EFLOW has been developing next-generation motors that achieve both compactness, high efficiency, and high output by transitioning the motor structure from the conventional cylindrical type to an AFPM with a thin pancake structure, thereby addressing these challenges.

Technological Innovation and Features of EFLOW's AFPM Motors

EFLOW's AFPM motors achieve both miniaturization, weight reduction, and high output through proprietary design and manufacturing technologies, while also improving productivity and system proposal capabilities.

- Achieving Compactness, Lightweighting, and High Output Simultaneously

Under the same output conditions, the following performance is achieved:

- Thickness: 60% reduction (thinned from 120mm to 50mm)

- Weight: 30% reduction (lightened from 2.0kg to 1.4kg)

- Torque Density: Doubled (from 8 kW/kg to 16 kW/kg)

- Continuous Operating Temperature: Operating temperature increased by +30°C, supporting extreme environments from -120°C to 150°C.

- "Manufacturing Innovation" Consolidating 40 Parts into a Single Mold

Conventional complex components (40 parts) are integrated into a single proprietary mold. This has succeeded in reducing production costs to one-twentieth. Compared to general precision motor products, it boasts overwhelming cost and speed advantages: "approximately 55% lower price" and "delivery time less than half (16-24 weeks to 8 weeks)."

- "Total Solution" Integrating Peripheral Equipment

While competitors typically offer motors as standalone products, EFLOW's feature is its ability to propose an intelligent total solution as a package including "motor + drive equipment + proprietary AI sensor."

Expansion and Demonstrated Results in Four Major Markets

By utilizing a single AFPM core as a common platform, EFLOW is promoting product deployment in the fields of mobility, drones, robots, and artificial satellites, while improving development efficiency and optimizing R&D costs.

1. Mobility (Mass Production and Supply Track Record)

EFLOW supplies products to over 25 B2B customers, primarily in Europe, with a repeat order rate of 98%. This includes a long-term supply commitment of over 7,500 sets annually to a last-mile electric mobility manufacturer in Spain, export achievements to a German electric lightweight vehicle manufacturer, and completed on-vehicle verification for hydrogen cargo by a major German logistics company.

2. Drones (Mass Production Scheduled for September 2026)

EFLOW has received an order for 20,000 units from a German customer and plans to commence mass production in September 2026.

3. Robots (Under Development)

EFLOW is participating in a wearable robot project with a major South Korean electronics manufacturer and is jointly developing a 750W class AFPM motor.

4. Artificial Satellites (Development Completed)

In collaboration with a major South Korean electrical manufacturer, EFLOW has developed an AFPM motor for CubeSats (ultra-small satellites) that can withstand the harsh conditions of outer space.

In addition, EFLOW is participating in the supply chain for micro-mobility for a South Korean automotive manufacturer and has conducted a three-year PoC (Proof of Concept) and joint development with a major European aerospace manufacturer. Negotiations are also underway for a project with a major French company involving 100,000 units annually.

Strong Patent Barrier (Defensibility)

EFLOW has established a business structure based on its proprietary manufacturing technology, intellectual property, system solutions, and mass production achievements. Regarding intellectual property, EFLOW holds a patent portfolio of 84 cases (42 registered, 42 pending, 6 PCT applications) across South Korea, China, and the United States. Furthermore, FTO (Freedom to Operate) surveys have been conducted, completing verification regarding the risk of infringing third-party intellectual property rights.

Future Global Strategy and Vision

EFLOW operates primarily through a global team (24 members, including 20 in R&D) based in South Korea and Germany, composed of members with over 30 years of experience in sales, design, and manufacturing.

The company is currently raising funds in its Series A round, targeting 18 billion Korean won (pre-money valuation of 62 billion Korean won). Approximately 60% of the raised funds are planned to be allocated to R&D and the recruitment and training of specialized personnel, with approximately 20% allocated to mass production equipment and molds.

Looking ahead, EFLOW plans to commence operations at its European production facility in 2026, establish a production system and expand its business in North America by 2028, and strengthen its business development in the Asian market.

Furthermore, EFLOW aims to list on the KOSDAQ market in 2029 and, in the medium to long term, promote further expansion of its global business in the AFPM motor field.

In recent years, interest in AFPM motors has been growing in the Japanese market. JASP Inc., based in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, serves as the contact point in Japan for inquiries regarding EFLOW products and consultations on technology development and joint development.

JASP Inc. will support the dissemination and market development of EFLOW's AFPM motor technology through product proposals, technical support, and building partnerships for joint development in the Japanese market.

JASP Inc.

Kasumigaseki Business Center 401, 3-7-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Department/Contact Person: Devise sales and Solution team・Cho

Tel. 03-3508-4200

e-mail. [email protected]

http://www.jasp.co.kr/