MEMS, Microsystems,Micromachines: Commercializing an Emergent Disruptive Technology

Walsh, Steven T., The Univ. of New Mexico; Linton, Jonathan D., Polytechnic Institute of New York Univ.; Grace, Roger H., Roger Grace Associates; Marshall, Sidney; Knutti, James W., Acuity Inc.

doi:10.1117/3.2265068.ch8

Book: MEMS and MOEMS Technology and Applications

Editor(s): Prosenjit Rai-Choudhury

Author(s): Steven Walsh, Jonathan Linton, Roger Grace, Sidney Marshall, James Knutti

Published: 2000

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2265068.ch8

Author Affiliations +

Abstract

Microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS), microsystems technology (MST), and micromachines are roughly synonymous terms applied in the United States, Europe, and Japan respectively, to manufacturing technologies that are enabling the development of many exciting microscale or microminiaturized products. For convenience here, the terms are lumped together and labeled M3. In the parlance of management science, M3 technologies are: - exogenous (they originate from outside an existing or familiar frame of reference); and - disruptive (they are revolutionary rather than evolutionary). These technologies are creating a second micromanufacturing revolution - the first being microelectronics - as well as a fertile environment for discontinuous innovations that will revitalize existing industries and generate new markets.M3 technologies: - enable the manufacture of products that would otherwise be impossible toproduce; - improve manufacturing efficiencies by as much as an order of magnitude; - improve critical performance aspects of current products by as much as anorder of magnitude; and/or - improve product quality by reducing component size and number.