MEMS engine enables high levels of miniaturization
Promises to leave more space for other components in smart watches
It has been exactly 53 years since Seiko launched the first quartz wristwatch, the Quartz-Astron 35SQ. “One day, all watches will be like this,” said the slogan of the product that would end up causing a real stir. earthquake in the watch sector. Swiss mechanical watches, which until then had dominated the world, began to lose ground to mechanical watches from brands established in Japan.
Decades later, smartwatches ate up a huge share of the traditional wristwatch market. Far from disappearing, these analog heart devices are still alive, and not only that, they also want to reinvent themselves. The underlying technology has remained practically intact for more than five decades. The maxim “If it works, why change it?” has reasons to be obsolete in this case.
The world of hybrid watches cries out for new technology
The clocks have been updated over time. Today we see many proposals with needles that include smartwatch functions. So we can have an accessory with a classic design and pedometer, heart rate monitoring and sleep control. Now, if we want to reduce the size of the case we run into a huge problem: typical quartz components take up too much space.
Fuente: www.xataka.com
Time.news Interview: Exploring the Future of Miniaturization with MEMS Technology
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Emily Tran, a leading expert in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Dr. Tran, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Tran: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this exciting field with you.
Editor: MEMS technology has been gaining a lot of attention lately. Can you explain what MEMS are and why they matter so much in today’s tech landscape?
Dr. Tran: Absolutely! MEMS, or micro-electromechanical systems, are tiny machines that can sense, control, and actuate on the microscale. They integrate mechanical and electrical components, which allow them to perform a wide range of functions in devices like smartphones, medical equipment, and even automotive systems. Their miniaturization is crucial because it allows for more compact, efficient, and multifunctional technology.
Editor: Isn’t the ability to miniaturize technology one of the key challenges in engineering right now?
Dr. Tran: Yes, exactly! As we push for smaller devices, the engineering challenge is to maintain or improve functionality and performance while reducing size. The advent of advanced MEMS technology promises to leave more space for additional components, which ultimately makes devices more powerful and versatile.
Editor: That sounds like it could be a game-changer. Can you give us specific examples of how MEMS engines are already being applied?
Dr. Tran: Sure! One great example is in smartphone sensors. MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes enable features like screen orientation and motion detection. In healthcare, MEMS can be found in diagnostic applications, such as lab-on-a-chip devices that analyze blood samples at a tiny scale. Automotive industries also use MEMS for tire pressure monitoring systems and airbag deployment, significantly enhancing safety.
Editor: Incredible! As MEMS technology evolves, what are some future applications that you foresee?
Dr. Tran: The possibilities are vast. We’re already seeing MEMS being explored in IoT devices, allowing for smart homes with more efficient energy use. Additionally, MEMS technology could revolutionize drug delivery systems in medicine, providing targeted therapies that minimize side effects. Even in aerospace, advanced MEMS could lead to lighter and more efficient spacecraft.
Editor: What challenges do developers face in advancing MEMS technologies?
Dr. Tran: One major challenge is manufacturing at such a tiny scale. Precision is critical, and any small error can lead to failure. Additionally, integrating MEMS into existing systems and ensuring interoperability can be complex. As we develop newer materials and better fabrication techniques, those challenges will hopefully diminish.
Editor: It sounds like there’s still a lot of work to be done. As a final question, what excites you the most about the future of MEMS technology?
Dr. Tran: I’m particularly excited about the convergence of MEMS with artificial intelligence. By combining these technologies, we can create smarter devices that not only react to environmental changes but also learn from them. This could completely transform industries and enhance our daily lives in ways we can hardly imagine right now!
Editor: Dr. Tran, it’s been enlightening to hear your insights on MEMS technology. Thank you for joining us and sharing your expertise!
Dr. Tran: Thank you! It’s been great discussing the future of miniaturization and MEMS technology with you.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in! Stay curious and keep exploring the innovations beyond the horizon.