Abstract: A motor/active magnetic bearing combination includes two stator base plates made of magnetic material. A plurality of sets of north and south poles, numbering at least three are formed on each of the stators, and each set comprises one or two south poles and a north pole or vice versa. Appropriate energization of the coils surrounding each of these poles both suspends and creates a magnetic field which imposes a constant speed rotation on the rotor which is suspended between the stators. The rotation is achieved by virtue of the fact that the rotor includes a circumferential set of slots defining regions around the circumference which interact with the energized poles on the stator so that a reluctance motor is formed, driving the rotor in rotation.