Motor design over the past century has been a thoroughly researched area; however, the motor requirements for rotary blood pumps (RBPs) are typically unique in nature. As with other applications, they are required not only to be highly efficient, reliable, and compact but also to possess hemocompatibility characteristics, such as large clearances between the rotor and stator and the use of noncontact bearing systems, to ensure long-term patient support. An understanding of the interaction and production of electromagnetic forces inside a motor along with control methods and design topologies is essential for developing a highly efficient, reliable, compact, and hemocompatible motor for use in a RBP.