It’s been a while since our last update, so we wanted to get you up to speed on the latest with the Fortiq project.

IQ has selected a manufacturer, and we’re working on final designs with them. In parallel, we’re working with several companies which are beta testing our prototypes. These companies are using the Fortiqs in various applications, including 3D printers and textile machinery. Our goal is to get test results from the beta testers prior to production, to ensure the motors work as promised. Here are some questions we’ve asked our beta testers to help guide their tests:

Performance:

• Does reduced motor vibration reduce machine noise and increase the precision of machined parts? To what extent?
• Will high-speed, closed-loop motor control increase throughput and minimize failures that are common among steppers? To what extent?
• Does the product have enough torque for your application?
• Is the efficiency increase compared to a stepper meaningful?
• How can we improve the product?

Non-Performance:

• How well does the Fortiq fit into their machine?
• Are the performance benefits worth the price?

Ideally, we hope for quantifiable answers to these questions. This will allow us to improve the product in the short term and then improve our marketing and sales efforts in the long term. We would love to create the perfect product the first time around, but similar to these beta testers, your feedback will be vital to the evolution of the Fortiq product line. Our next update will likely be letting you know what we’ve learned from the beta testers and/or the final production timeline.

As of now, our plan is to order the final production units in January and deliver in March 2022.