27 March 2007 -- Nearly all major categories of MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) have appeared – or are set to be included - in consumer products, according to research.
As a result, the worldwide MEMS market in consumer electronics will grow from US$727 million in 2006 to over US$1 billion by 2009, according to forecasts by market research company In-Stat. MEMS will expand to a broad array of consumer applications including game consoles, portable consumer electronics devices (such as digital camcorders), and GPS devices. Pressure sensors have the greatest potential in consumer electronics in the short-term, followed by microphones and displays.
"In the longer term, MEMS memory, MEMS fuel cells, and other types of MEMS devices could also join the list," explained Steve Cullen, an analyst with In-Stat. "However, these technologies are expected to initially find usage in other product areas that are less cost sensitive, with application in consumer electronics products unlikely until after 2010."
MEMS Microphones have been a recent success because of rapid adoption in the mobile handset market where their small size, ease of handling, and competitive price has resulted in double-digit market share, In-Stat said.
