Micro engineering-a brief overview

Abstract

We report on the emerging field of microengineering. This novel technology involves the miniaturization of mechanics. Just as miniaturization of electronics has resulted in revolutionary advances, microengineering is poised to produce a revolution of its own. Furthermore, microengineering is based on the technology of microelectronics utilizing the same processes, equipment, and skills. It also requires further advances in specific areas. The aim of microengineering is to manufacture fully assembled electromechanical devices and systems at the micron scale to perform functions efficiently, conveniently, and not otherwise possible with their large-scale counterparts. With a suitable choice of materials, electronics can be integrated within, resulting in systems with decentralized intelligence. Microengineering holds a potential for impact in fields as diverse as automechanics, medicine, information storage and retrieval, fiberoptic communications, and unmanned space exploration.<>