Microelectromechanical systems have become an essential part of digital progress in the 21st century. MEMS solutions are widely used in the automotive industry, different manufacturing sectors, etc. One of the spheres of their application is the development of modern medical technologies. With the help of MEMS devices, it is possible to enhance the performance of surgery and diagnostic procedures.
There are many digital products and tech units based on microelectromechanical systems. Among them are 2D MEMS scanning mirror models, sensors, microphones, gyroscopes, and other micro items. Speaking about microelectromechanical systems referred to the medical sphere, the range of solutions increases day by day as well.
Forecasts for the Medical MEMS Global Market
It is predicted that the market of healthcare MEMS to be valued at $5,558 million in 2022-2028. This is +18.5% more than in 2019 ($4,710 million). The number of medical tech companies grows because the high demand for microsurgery and diagnostic items is observed worldwide.
Among the most renowned market players who use MEMS technology for production of the innovative products and devices for the healthcare sector are:
- Honeywell Sensing and Control;
- Flexpoint Sensor Systems;
- Abbott Laboratories;
- MemsTech Bhd.;
- Agilent Technologies.
The range of key corporations also includes Analog Device Inc., Omron, Integrated Sensing Systems, and other medical technology companies. It is worth noting that top-ranking manufacturers that make a specialty out of products in other niches started to explore the MEMS market. For example, such popular cosmetics brand L’Oreal is developing a special range of skincare products that will contain a sensor for regulation of the safe amount of UV exposure.
La Roche also is working in the same direction together with the Skin Track UV manufacturer of the MEMS sensors for detection of the dangerous ultraviolet irradiation. Additionally, it is expected that the set of available options will be extended in 2022. This way consumers will be able to use the MEMS sensor to determine their personal safe amount of UV exposure based on various factors including the type of ultraviolet rays, humidity, etc.
Medical MEMS Technology Application in 2021-2028: Forecasts and Review of the Existing Approaches
The healthcare sector can be significantly improved with the help of MEMS-based products. Today, most of the devices related to microelectromechanical systems are used in surgery and diagnosis of different diseases at the micro-level. Additionally, a great leap is observed in nanoscience with the help of MEMS tech solutions.
Microelectromechanical systems complement existing nanothermic technologies that are applied in the medical industry. This way actuators, strain gauges, sensors (optic and magnetic) expand the area of MEMS applications while blending them with nano-electromancy.
The rapid growth of the medical MEMS market can be explained with required transformations in the context of the healthcare sector. For example, a pen-based system (glucose sensing technologies) with the in-built sensor for safe insulin administration will simplify the lives of millions of people with diabetes.
Implementation of MEMS solutions for extremely popular smart and fitness watches will bring an enhanced experience for consumers of various ages and states of health. Sensors and actuators will record the ECG on the go through immediate heart rhythms and atrial fibrillation measurements.
The Most Common Challenges of the Medical MEMS Global Market
The sharpest challenge of the medical MEMS market is still high costs. It is rather expensive to manufacture, test, and package devices based on microelectromechanical systems. The transportation costs are also high because these are rather fragile products to ship.
Nevertheless, there are more and more willing healthcare establishments that would like to update their diagnostics and surgery via application of the MEMS technology. This way, the first remarkable transformations of modern medicine are observed right now and are going to take place in 2022-2028.