Nanusens has taken MEMS technology to the next smaller level, developing nanoscale sensors inside the CMOS that can be integrated in the same silicon as the sensor controller. This is not a big deal for some applications but it’s a game-changer for small devices that have multiple sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure and humidity sensors. Space-saving sensors leaves more room for other components such as a bigger battery. Every cubic millimetre counts in some devices so Nanusens is onto a winner here.”

Space is always at a premium within hearables; similarly so is battery life. Adding more sensors to create “smart “ hearable products is therefore challenging. The answer may come from advances in MEMS manufacturing. European start-up, Nanusens, have developed methods to create MEMS sensors within standardized CMOS manufacturing processes. This enables sensors to be placed on the same silicon as the control logic, making them up to ten times smaller and freeing space for other components or larger batteries.

Embedding MEMS components right into CMOS will result in products that are far smaller, cheaper and lower power than conventional MEMS

Nanusens has taken MEMS technology to the next smaller level, developing nanoscale sensors inside the CMOS that can be integrated in the same silicon as the sensor controller. This is not a big deal for some applications but it’s a game-changer for small devices that have multiple sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure and humidity sensors. Space-saving sensors leaves more room for other components such as a bigger battery. Every cubic millimetre counts in some devices so Nanusens is onto a winner here.”