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2005 May Be a Momentous Year for MEMS





2005 MAY BE A MOMENTOUS YEAR FOR MEMS, OR MAYBE JUST A MOMENTUM-BUILDING YEAR



Jan. 21, 2005 – As a new year begins, it seems to be a good time to ask: What will 2005 bring? Within the MEMS industry, there’s always something interesting afoot, so let’s answer that question by exploring 2004’s accomplishments and developments that could shape 2005.



Several optical MEMS companies are doing very well, but a real sales breakthrough isn’t expected until optical networking gains traction, which may take another year or so. However, watch for optical MEMS to make their move as the new technology core for cell phone displays in 2005. Even though it may be for only one or two handset models, it would be an auspicious start. In addition, the competition for optical MEMS in digital TV is expected to start heating up this year, although we may not see tangible results until 2006. While Texas Instruments may have portable projectors and home theater wrapped up, digital TV is still a wide-open race.



Overall, it appears that growth in the automotive and computing markets, longtime mainstays of the MEMS industry, may be cooling. The good news is that the consumer and communications segments are ready, willing, and (almost) able to pick up the pace, as the above indicators point out. Interestingly enough, robotics is another area to watch in 2005 – not for industrial applications, bur rather, for consumer end-uses.
Thanks to Herbert.

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