MEMS Sensor Market

Market Overview

The global MEMS sensor market size was valued at USD 12,445 million in 2021, which is envisioned to advance to USD 21,145 million growing at a CAGR of 6.85% during the forecast period. 

MEMS technology sensors are high-precision, low-cost inertial sensors which can be used to satisfy a wide variety of applications within the industrial sector. The microelectromechanical system, or MEMS, sensors offer several benefits, including accuracy, dependability, and the possibility of making smaller electronic devices. MEMS uses tiny and compact micromachine components; each sensor can be held in the palm. Consequently, they have made significant progress throughout the past few years. Emerging applications of microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors on the market include miniaturized consumer devices like wearables and IoT-connected devices.

The growing concerns regarding the level of safety in the automotive sector and the emergence of the automation of industry 4.0 are two of the most critical factors driving the market for MEMS sensors. As a result of its widespread adoption in various industrial settings, Industry 4.0 is positioned to have a significant impact within the next few years. Also, growing safety concerns in the automotive industry, particularly in the future, when there will be substantial usage of autonomous vehicles, are poised to drive the use of MEMS sensors in such applications. This will cause the use of MEMS sensors in such applications.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

The Increase Concern for Safety in the Automotive Sector

The positive expansion of the MEMS sensor market share is primarily driven by the rising concern for the safety of automobile passengers and drivers. For example, the World Health Organization states that approximately 1.35 million people die annually from automobile accidents. In addition, between 20 million and 50 million victims experience injuries that do not result in death, with many of these people developing a disability as a direct result of their injury. The demand for inertial MEMS sensors is driven primarily by crash sensing to control airbags. Also, the European Commission has announced that they will be revising the General Safety Regulations to include a requirement that autonomous safety technologies be included in all vehicles manufactured in Europe. This is being done to reduce the number of accidents in the region. Implementing the most recent sensor-based systems by automotive manufacturers is required by stringent regulations, driving the MEMS sensor market growth.

MEMS offers the smart industry many benefits, the most important of which are accuracy, dependability, and longevity. MEMS sensors can be utilized in early-failure detection and predictive maintenance systems for Industry 4.0. These systems are used where vibration, temperature, pressure, sound, and acoustics analyses are required, which drives the utilization of MEMS sensors in automation and Industry 4.0 applications. The machines are linked together to transmit their data to the cloud in various ways, including wirelessly, directly, or through a gateway that uses MEMS sensors.

Market Restraints

Increased Cost of MEMS Sensors Implementation

Miniscule capacitance changes produced by MEMS are one of the challenges in the sensor interface design utilized in the automotive industry. Following technological requirements, sensing elements typically require a high bias voltage and generate signal voltages of a few microvolts. The consistency and precision of the device's outputs are extremely sensitive to temperature and supply voltage variations. Creating such precise components increases the cost of the device. Automobiles must function in transient conditions, including altitude differences, coastal to desert areas, cold and summer climatic conditions, and varying humidity levels, thereby increasing the cost of maintaining their usability in various situations. And hence, creating MEMS sensor market restraint.

Market Opportunities

MEMS Pressure Sensors Usage in Multiple Sectors like Healthcare and Automotive

Due to the prevalence of the Internet of Things, a vast proportion of the sensor market is comprised of MEMS. In addition, it is anticipated that MEMS pressure sensors will expand into new fields, particularly healthcare and automotive sensors. Potential developments of MEMS pressure sensors in healthcare include eye therapy and gut monitoring. Sensimed, in partnership with STMicroelectronics, received FDA approval for its ophthalmic implants and is growing fast internationally. Smart pills are another adaptation with the potential for MEMS pressure sensors in the future. Due to their ability to detect weak magnetic fields, MEMS sensors based on magnetoelectric composites have garnered significant interest for applications such as bio-magnetic field detection and magnetic particle imaging. As MEMS pressure sensors offer design advantages, the growing emphasis on invasive applications is anticipated to propel the MEMS pressure sensors market and create lucrative opportunities.

Regional Analysis

The region-wise segmentation of the global MEMS sensor market includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA.

The Asia Pacific and Europe will dominate the regional market

Asia-Pacific will command the market with the largest share and grow at a CAGR of 7.42% during the forecast period. Increasing awareness of technologically advanced and environmentally friendly electronic equipment has contributed to the region's market share. With beneficial regulatory compliances and maintained demand for renewable energy infrastructure, power electronics, and automotive, developing economies like India and China are emerging as MEMS sensor market share with the highest growth rates. China's automotive and consumer markets, as well as its exports of smartphones, tablets, drones, and other microsystem and semiconductor-enabled products, have contributed to a significant increase in the use of MEMS sensors over the past several years. Multiple MEMS sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, and radio frequency (RF) filters, have been imported to China for product assembly.

Moreover, India's automotive sector is well-positioned for economic and demographic growth, catering to rising domestic demand and export opportunities. Under the "Make In India" scheme, the Indian government intended to make automobile manufacturing the initiative's primary driver. The plan is expected to triple the market for passenger vehicles to 9.4 million units by 2026. This factor is anticipated to increase MEMS sensor adoption in the region's automotive industry.

Europe will hold the second-largest share of USD 6,054 million and grow at a CAGR of 6.87%. The MEMS sensor solutions are becoming increasingly popular in the European region due to the numerous advancements made in the region by the smart manufacturing technology brought about by an increase in industrial control systems and automation (ICS). The German government has allocated approximately EUR 200 million to support its Industry 4.0 initiative. At the same time, large corporations and thousands of small and medium-sized businesses in Germany are investing in information and communication technology (ICT) to accelerate their respective development. Companies in this region that are involved in the aerospace industry use vibration sensors for various purposes, including monitoring changes in acceleration, pressure, temperature, and force, as well as strain, by converting these variables to an electrical charge. As a result of this, the sector's expansion is having a beneficial effect on the MEMS sensor market growth.

Increasing air passenger traffic and demand for passengers, as well as aircraft safety, are bolstering the growth of flight navigation systems, which, in turn, is contributing to the expansion of accelerometers and pressure sensors in the region. In addition, geo seismic monitoring in the United Kingdom generates a substantial demand for inertial sensors like high-end accelerometers. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the British Geological Survey stated that seismic monitoring aided in comprehending earthquake risk levels and designing structures accordingly.

Segmental Analysis

The global MEMS sensor market is classified based on type, end-user industry, and region.

On the Basis of Type

Based on type, the segments are Pressure Sensors, Inertial Sensors (Accelerometers, Gyroscopes), and Other Types.

The segment of inertial sensors is most likely to dominate the market with the largest share and growing at a CAGR of 6.61% during the forecast period. MEMS inertial sensors are cutting-edge products with robust, dependable, quick, and temperature-stable properties. They can detect even the most minor position and acceleration changes. The MEMS inertial sensor segment consists of both accelerometers and gyroscopes. The MEMS gyroscope is an inertial sensor that measures the altitude angle and angular velocity. Their advantages over conventional gyroscopes are their small size, low power consumption, lightweight, low cost, and the ability to be manufactured in batches. The expansion of IoT devices is driving the development of the inertial sensor segment. The expanding market for smart home security products is anticipated to affect the MEMS gyroscope market positively.

In addition, the developing domain of autonomous driving necessitates precise positioning and dependable self-localization techniques, thereby driving the demand for MEMS inertial sensors. Rising safety concerns in the automotive industry are primarily driving the MEMS accelerometer market, as low-g accelerators have become increasingly popular for applications such as airbags.

The pressure sensor segment will hold the second-largest share. Depending on the pressure, MEMS pressure sensors can be categorized as high, medium, medium-low, low, and ultra-low pressure sensors. The emergence of automation and industry 4.0, expanding government regulations for TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), and the growing preference for pressure sensor-rich applications are some of the major factors driving the MEMS pressure sensor market. Industry 4.0 is driving the adoption of MEMS pressure sensors, and more automakers are adopting smart devices and technologies to stay ahead of the competition. The disposable pressure MEMS sensors are widely utilized MEMS sensors in the medical industry, with widespread application in measuring the blood pressure in IV lines of intensive care patients. In addition, hospitals and ambulances use pressure sensors to monitor vital signs. Increased healthcare expenditures are anticipated to significantly impact the sector's development of advanced electronics, creating a demand for pressure MEMS sensors.

On the Basis of End-User Industry

Based on the end-user industry, the segments include Automotive, Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, and Aerospace & Defense.

The consumer electronics segment will hold the largest market share during the forecast period growing at a CAGR of 6.9%. Consumer electronics utilizes MEMEs sensors extensively. In consumer electronics, accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure, and temperature sensors are widely used. Electronic goods products, such as smartphones, currently incorporate gyroscopes, accelerometers, and other sensors. An accelerometer allows a device to rotate the screen when the user turns on the smartphone or tablet. Wearable technology has become one of the most significant industry growth drivers due to the growing demand for connectivity at all times and in all locations. In addition, the MEMS sensor for consumer electronics is exhibiting newer innovations and research, which is anticipated to contribute to MEMS sensor market growth.

The segment of automotive will hold the second-largest share. MEMS sensor is extensively deployed in the engine (ABS), stability control program, electronic control suspension, electric hand brake, slope starter auxiliary, tire pressure monitoring, engine stabilization, angle measurement, heartbeat detection, and adaptive navigation system within the automobile. The use of MEMS sensors in anti-theft systems is increasing. Towing away a vehicle is a standard method of vehicle theft. In response, automakers are incorporating tilt detection systems into their anti-theft systems.

The growing demands for security and protection in vehicles is one of the most critical factors driving MEMS sensors' market expansion in the automotive sector. As per the WHO, over 1.35 million people die annually in road accidents worldwide. The MEMS sensors play a crucial role in enhancing the safety mechanisms of vehicles and serve as a market growth catalyst. A vehicle's tire pressure is essential for a smooth ride, high mileage, extended tire life, and precise braking. Consequently, in addition to traditional assembly line applications, MEMS pressure sensors are in high demand for aftermarket applications, such as tire pressure monitoring systems.

Recent Developments

• In 2022, STMicroelectronics NV introduced the market's first Serial Page EEPROM technology, a high-density, page-erasable SPI memory that delivers unique and unprecedented flexibility and performance with ultra-low power consumption. 
• In 2022, STMicroelectronics NV released NanoEdge AI studio machine learning design software supporting smart sensors that contain ST's embedded intelligent sensor processing unit.