Microelectromechanical Systems

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are very tiny machines that are made from really small parts, like components in a watch or computer chip. They are often referred to as smart systems because they can sense, process, and move things on a very small scale. Think of them like tiny robots that fit in the palm of your hand.

MEMS are made up of different parts that are assembled together, just like how you build a toy using blocks. These parts can be made from different materials, including silicon, glass, plastics, and metals. To put them together, special machines called microfabrication tools are used. These machines work like a printer, depositing tiny amounts of materials layer by layer to create the MEMS device.

Inside the MEMS device, there are parts that move or sense changes in the environment. For example, a MEMS accelerometer can sense when you move your phone around, allowing it to change the screen orientation. MEMS gyroscope is a must-have feature of smartphones and game controllers. It helps in sensing how the device is tilted or rotated, giving the user a smoother navigation experience.

Overall MEMS are really helpful to make our electronics smarter and more efficient, by allowing them to make various movements on a very small scale, without additional energy. They are also used in various industries including healthcare, automobiles, and aerospace, for example in airbag systems in a car that sense a sudden impact and deploy to keep the passengers safe.