Focusing on AI-driven solutions to maximise value in engineering, hofer powertrain has been utilising in-house developed AI-driven approaches in designing unique power electronics solutions for some time now.

In its latest initiative, hofer powertrain is setting a path to lead at the forefront of new, cutting-edge electric motor design. By partnering with Deeptech engineering specialist Monumo, the company aims to significantly reduce development time and costs while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and quality.

Monumo’s scalable, machine learning-friendly engine called "Anser" is able to evaluate millions of detailed concepts within days. This capability allows them to comprehensively explore complex design spaces to generate class-leading electric drives, which can then be developed and brought to industrialisation at hofer powertrain facilities.

The application of advanced data-driven machine learning (ML) approaches can deliver significant improvements within aggressive automotive development timeframes, enabling the teams to drastically reduce the concept design phase.

Johann Hofer, CEO of hofer powertrain, emphasised the importance of this innovative approach: “Deeptech innovation has high potential to revolutionise the automotive sector, and it adds extra value to our in-house AI-driven initiatives. This step is a testament to hofer powertrain’s commitment to technological leadership in the EV powertrain sector. With partnerships such as Monumo, we are poised to leverage the transformative power of Deeptech technology, realising truly innovative and future-proof EV solutions.”

Dominic Vergine, CEO and Founder of Monumo, hofer powertrain’s partner in this initiative, also highlighted the significance of this collaboration: ““With hofer powertrain we have a strong partner with a track record in realising powertrain innovations for over 40 years. While much of Generative AI has been used to mimic human behaviour, we believe it holds a greater purpose in advancing engineering, especially when applied to global decarbonisation efforts.”

The joint initiative has already shown remarkable results, including a reduction in permanent magnet content by around 10% without any compromise to manufacturing, efficiency, or performance. This unique combination of simulation, ML, AI, and motor design expertise is poised to make a significant impact on the EV market, pushing the industry to new heights with system-level optimisation.

About Monumo
Monumo couples deeptech innovation and machine learning with traditional engineering expertise to change the fundamental principles of electric motor design. Monumo’s proprietary technology runs more than 10 million simulations per day to enable the design and development of the best electric motors – and aims to do so unhindered by human preconceptions and bias rooted in the long history of motor design.
The Cambridge and Coventry-based business has a mission to significantly move the needle on decarbonisation and is initially focused on the global EV market, which is projected to reach $623bn in 2024*. Monumo’s technology ensures new motor designs are cost-effective, efficient, and optimised for sustainability.

Through its end-to-end solution, the business has the potential to design and licence electric motors that facilitate true competitive advantage for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and tier one engineering companies. To date, the business has raised £10.5m in seed funding from angel investors.