MEMS Epiphany

This paper addresses the key drivers of the "MEMS Epiphany," i.e. the successful interplay between the technology push and design-driven innovation strategies for MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) success in the consumer market. Before 2005, MEMS were known only by technology experts and were not yet ready for the high-volume consumer market. Only the marriage of a technological breakthrough in the MEMS world, pioneered by STMicroelectronics, and the creation and delivery of new applications for end users, driven by Nintendo and Apple, paved the way for the MEMS Epiphanies. This paper will focus on the technological challenges that STMicroelectronics faced to enable this historical landmark in the "MEMS Consumerization" era. And it will also discuss briefly the next possible MEMS Epiphanies in relation to new products and applications.