Arioso Systems acquired by Bosch

Bosch is expanding its expertise in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) micro speakers with the acquisition of Fraunhofer’s Arioso Systems.

Arioso Systems developed an 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 sound pressure level out of 10 square millimetres (10 mm²) active area.

The technology is also a beneficial complement to Bosch’s MEMS sensor portfolio for wearables and hearables. Manufacturers of true wireless stereo earphones and other hearable devices will benefit from a sound generation with significantly less power consumption and a smaller form factor, which means an expanded battery run time and easier system integration.