AI-Assisted Bayesian Optimization of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for E-Bike Applications

This paper presents an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted multi-objective topology optimization of a 48 V interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) intended for mid-drive e-bike applications. The machine features a 48-slot, 8-pole stator–rotor combination with (Formula presented.) -shaped three buried magnets per pole, and is coupled to a multi-stage gearbox that adapts its high-speed, low-torque output to a human-scale crank speed. The design problem simultaneously maximizes average torque and efficiency while minimizing torque ripple by varying key stator slot dimensions and magnet geometries. A modular MATLAB–ANSYS Maxwell framework is developed in which finite element simulations are driven by a Bayesian optimization (BO) loop augmented by a large language model (LLM) with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). The LLM acts as a memory-based agent that proposes candidates, shapes Gaussian Process priors, and incorporates natural language rules expressing qualitative design knowledge. Two AI-assisted trials are compared against a multi-objective Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm benchmark, RAG + BO with and without natural language input. All three methods converge to a similar Pareto region with average torque around 5.4–5.7 Nm, torque ripple of approximately 12.8–14.2%, and efficiency near 93.3–93.6%, suitable for geared e-bike drives. The LLM-guided trial achieves this performance with a 20.1% reduction in simulation expenses relative to the BO baseline and by about 48% compared to the Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm. The results demonstrate that integrating LLM guidance into Bayesian optimization improves sample efficiency while providing interpretable design trends for PMSM topologies tailored for light electric vehicles.