The creation of the unit entailed the development of a magnetic gear reducer and corresponding frictionless magnetic axles. Aimed primarily for use in spacecraft due to its extended mechanical life, the system is also adaptable for use in automobiles, railways, and aircraft.

Researchers from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) created the magnetic drive system reducer in response to a problem of mechanical wear initially posed by the European Space Agency (ESA), where conventionally-connected gears, axles, and drive shafts remain problematic due to their lubrication requirements and relatively short life spans.

"The operating life of these devices can be much longer than the life of a conventional gear reducer with teeth, and can even work in cryogenic temperatures," said Efrén Díez Jiménez, a researcher from the UC3M Department of Mechanical Engineering. He added that even after an overload, the device will continue to function. And if the axle is blocked, "the parts simply slide amongst themselves, but nothing breaks."