How Will MEMS Fare In This Economy?

MEMS is in a good position for growth as both a "replacement" and an "enabling" technology; largely recession resistant. MEMS microphones are replacing electrets in phones, laptops, etc., since they can be automatically assembled due to high temperature resistance. Inertial sensors are tiny and very sensitive, and are going into the iPhone, Wii and much more; previous big market was only airbag sensors. Pressure sensors are getting a boost in the US (elsewhere too?) since new cars must have tire pressure sensing. Essentially all inkjet chips are MEMS and that market is still expanding even though mature. In the future, Bio-MEMS will play a major role in a very large market. MEMS is probably the most significant technology of the 21st century. High diversification is key. MEMS is the convergence point for most science and technology.