Taipei: Inspired by a futuristic vision from the 2004 film “I, Robot,” Taiwanese tech entrepreneur Thomas Yen has transformed science fiction into reality with the launch of Tensor Tech, a company specializing in satellite attitude solutions using spherical motors.
According to Focus Taiwan, the foundation of Tensor Tech in 2019 marked a significant shift from traditional single-axis motors to spherical motors in satellite technology. This innovation, inspired by the 360-degree maneuverability of the film’s vehicles, has allowed satellites to adjust their orientation smoothly in space, enhancing their operational efficiency.
Yen’s journey began in his youth when he was homeschooled to focus on engineering, after finding Taiwan’s education system too rigid for his aspirations. During high school, he accessed the Department of Electrical Engineering lab at National Cheng Kung University, where he was introduced to single-axis motors used in space technology. This exposure fueled his ambition to replace them with spherical motors, a concept that matured over time.
The entrepreneur’s innovative approach has made Tensor Tech the first startup to commercialize spherical motors for space satellites. These motors enable satellites to adjust their attitude around multiple axes, a task traditionally requiring three single-axis motors. The singular spherical motor not only improves maneuverability but also significantly reduces costs by lowering the satellite’s weight and optimizing power allocation.
Yen emphasized the financial benefits for customers, who can save substantial costs on payload weight when launching satellites with companies like SpaceX. Tensor Tech’s maiden flight with SpaceX in January 2022 established the company as a prominent player in the global satellite industry, with clients spanning Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and India.
The success of Tensor Tech’s spherical motors has led to continuous product development, including smaller motors for nanosatellites and larger models for bigger satellites. The company is focused on optimizing these products for the unique challenges of space, ensuring structural integrity and performance.
As Tensor Tech moves towards profitability, it plans to invest further in product development, with engineering excellence as its guiding principle. Yen, who was born in 2000, remains committed to pushing the boundaries of satellite technology, driven by his passion for innovation and engineering.