With their accuracy, reliability and potential to make smaller electronic devices, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors have gained considerable traction in the past few years and are poised for healthy growth in the future. Miniaturized consumer products, IoT-connected devices and wearables, typify emerging applications of MEMS sensors
According to a report on MarketWatch, the global MEMS sensors market was valued at USD 11,686.2 million in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 16,857.0 million by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period (2021-2026). The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is attributed for the increased growth of certain types of MEMS sensors. Specifically, the need for contactless monitoring of people’s temperatures has increased the demand for thermopiles and microbolometers used in temperature guns and thermal cameras.
Other testing that is spiking the need for MEMS sensors includes real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests for detecting COVID-19 and microfluidics for DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing with microfluidics provides a reliable method of detecting a bacteria or virus on the molecular level with high degrees of accuracy. More established sensors that will increase include pressure and flowmeters in ventilators because of use in hospital intensive care units (ICUs).
Industry-specific market drivers include growing safety concerns in the automotive industry and the emergence of automation of industry 4.0. Growing safety concerns in the automotive industry, including the implementation of technologies for autonomous vehicles, will drive MEMS sensors’ use in vehicles. Continued Industry 4.0 implementation in multiple industrial settings will significantly MEMS sensors in the next few years.
4Sight LiDAR with MEMS sensor from AEye Inc.
The report forecasts pressure sensors to experience the fastest growth rate since they are utilized in several key application areas, such as biomedicine, automotive electronics, small home appliances, wearable, and fitness electronics. MEMS sensors expected to hold a prominent share in the market include microphones (sound sensors) and ultrasonic MEMS sensors, environmental sensors, and microbolometers.
