Yesterday, I had a deep conversation with my partner about something that fuels our passion: our robotic motors. It got me thinking about the very essence of motion and what truly drives progress, both in technology and in life. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of motors. At the heart of our robotic motors lies a remarkable material called a piezoelectric crystal. Imagine a tiny motor with four legs and a larger one with eight little legs, all crafted from this incredible crystal. When we apply a current or voltage to this piezo material, something magical happens—it starts vibrating. And not just any vibration, but a staggering 45,000 times per second. This intense resonance harnesses the piezo frequency, creating movement that powers our motors.Now, here’s where it gets intriguing. To ensure the motor legs grip the ceramic surface tightly, we condition them through thousands of movements, back and forth. This process generates friction, much like driving a car or riding a bike on a snowy or icy road. Without friction, you’re just spinning your wheels, going nowhere. And that’s when it hit me, this is a perfect analogy for life.In life, we often hear inspirational speeches about the importance of struggle. They remind us that struggling is a vital part of the journey. If everything were easy, we’d never make progress or grow stronger. Just as friction enables a tire to move forward, struggle propels us to new heights.Think about it. Whether you’re climbing a mountain on a bike, starting a company, or pursuing a dream, it’s the struggle that defines your journey. Without it, you’re just spinning in place. It’s the resistance, the obstacles, and the challenges that give you the traction needed to move forward.So, the next time you face a challenge, remember the humble motor and its piezoelectric crystal. Embrace the struggle, for it is your ally. Struggle isn’t your enemy; it’s your friend. It propels you from where you are to where you want to be. Just like in mechanical motion, friction and struggle are the forces that drive you towards your goals.In our lives and in our work, we need that friction. We need that fight between where we are now and where we aspire to be. It’s this continuous movement, born out of struggle, that defines progress. So, let’s embrace the journey, with all its bumps and hurdles, knowing that every struggle we face brings us one step closer to our dreams.Struggle is not just a part of life; it’s the essence of growth and innovation. Embrace it, harness it, and let it drive you forward. Just like our motors, we too can transform friction into unstoppable motion.