MEMS micro speaker: Bosch expands sensor business for consumer electronics
Acquisition of micro speaker specialist Arioso Systems
- Bosch enters the attractive market segment micro speakers.
- Arioso Systems, one of the world’s most innovative providers of MEMS micro speaker technology is to become part of Bosch Sensortec.
- Acquisition means broader diversification of Bosch Sensortec’s portfolio.
- Hearable device manufacturers benefit from sound generation with significant less power consumption, smaller size, and easier system integration.
Stuttgart, Germany – Bosch is expanding its expertise in MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) micro speakers and strengthening its market position as leading provider of sensing solutions for consumer electronics with an acquisition. Arioso Systems, based in Dresden, Germany, is to become part of the Bosch Sensortec GmbH. Agreements to this effect were signed by Bosch and Arioso Systems. It has been agreed that any project details such as the purchase price will not be disclosed. The acquisition is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.
“The planned acquisition of Arioso Systems further enlarges our sensing solutions expertise for consumer electronics in the field of micro speakers and makes us even more diversified. We are thus consistently expanding our strong position as technology leader in this area,” says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec.
Arioso Systems which emerged from the Fraunhofer IPMS and research activities at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg in 2019, is one of the world’s most innovative providers of MEMS micro speaker technology. The technology is also a beneficial complement to Bosch’s MEMS sensor portfolio for wearables and hearables. The unique and innovative technology concept from Arioso Systems combined with the long-lasting experience from Bosch Sensortec to develop a technology to high-volume consumer electronics market maturity is expected to shape the emerging global MEMS micro speaker market. Manufacturers of TWS (true wireless stereo) earphones and other hearable devices will benefit from a sound generation with significant less power consumption and a smaller form factor, which means an expanded battery run time and easier system integration.
“The whole Arioso Systems team is excited to become part of the most powerful global provider of sensing solutions and to take the next step in expanding our leading-edge technology,” says Hermann Schenk, CEO of Arioso Systems. “Joining our forces means we can leverage the full potential of our MEMS micro speaker technology.”
Enabling technology for the internet of tomorrow – strong market growth expected
The internet of tomorrow will be mobile and audio based, both speaking and listening. Components for smart in-ear devices must be increasingly small, light, efficient and scalable to meet the market’s needs. More and more functionalities demand for smaller form factors and expanded battery run time. Market experts are predicting strong growth in micro speaker applications in the years ahead. According to the market experts from Yole, the total market for micro speakers is expected to grow from 9 billion US dollars in 2020 to 11 billion US dollars in 2026, while MEMS micro speakers will have a fast-growing share in it.
About the MEMS micro speaker technology
Arioso Systems developed a novel audio transducer technology, where sound is generated through movement of vertically oriented lamellas inside a silicon chip. Unlike conventional membrane, Arioso Systems technology uses the chip volume rather than surface. Therefore, it is possible to build a miniatured MEMS micro-speaker to generate up to 120 dB SPL (sound pressure level) out of 10mm2 active area. Thanks to the electrostatic actuator of all-silicon MEMS and thanks to its very low capacitance, the Arioso Systems technology allows to save battery for new sensor application in demanding hearable devices such as TWS as well as in other wearables devices.
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