Smart life takes shape, IoT promotes large-scale application of MEMS

The application of MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) components can be said to be ubiquitous. With the improvement of manufacturing technology and the reduction of costs, home gateways, home automation (HA), new human-machine interfaces (HMI), real-time health monitoring systems, biochips for preventive medicine, wearable mobile devices and the Internet of Things are all important applications based on MEMS technology. Smart life created by MEMS has already taken shape.

　　According to a research report by Yole Developpement, the global market value of MEMS sensors for smartphones and tablets was US$2.2 billion in 2012, and is expected to reach US$2.7 billion in 2013. From 2013 to 2018, the global MEMS sensor market will grow at an annual compound growth rate of 18.5%, and is expected to reach a market size of US$6.4 billion in 2018.

　　Benedetto Vigna, executive vice president of STMicroelectronics, said that the next wave of large-scale growth in MEMS will come from the demand of the Internet of Things. Through the deployment of smart sensor systems, the virtual and real environments can be further connected.

　　The explosion of demand for MEMS in recent years is mainly due to consumer electronics such as smartphones, game consoles and tablets. Regarding the market prospects of MEMS, Benedetto Vigna, executive vice president and general manager of analog, MEMS and sensor business group of STMicroelectronics, said that the next wave of large-scale growth of MEMS will come from the demand of the Internet of Things, which will mainly focus on motion sensors, sound sensors and environmental sensors such as humidity, pressure and infrared sensors. Through the deployment of intelligent sensor systems, the virtual and real environments can be further connected.

　　In the face of the growing trend of the Internet of Things, Benedetto Vigna emphasized that STMicroelectronics will use its existing various types of sensor technologies and ultra-low-power wireless RF chips for home, commercial and industrial use, as well as low-power Bluetooth interfaces for wearable applications, to jointly promote the growth of the Internet of Things market and create the next wave of MEMS application opportunities.

　　In addition, common automotive MEMS sensors are also part of the Internet of Vehicles in the Internet of Things. Common components include pressure sensors used in automotive powertrain systems and tire pressure monitoring systems, accelerometers used in airbag systems, and gyroscopes used in electronic body stability control systems. Since MEMS sensors play an important role in many safety systems, applications related to safety regulations will be the driving force for the continued growth of demand for automotive MEMS sensors.