Bosch Buys MEMS Micro Speaker Firm to Expand Wearables Business

Bosch acquired Arioso Systems, a German microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) micro speaker company, said the buyer Thursday. Arioso’s MEMS technology combined with Bosch’s MEMS sensor portfolio for wearables and hearables will allow true wireless earphone manufacturers to design products with lower power consumption and a smaller form factor for longer battery life and easier system integration, the companies said. Future growth of the internet will be driven by mobile devices, and audio components for speaking and listening will have to be smaller, lighter, efficient and scalable, they said. The global market for micro speakers is expected to grow from $9 billion in 2020 to $11 billion in 2026, they said, citing Yole data, and MEMS micro speakers “will have a fast-growing share in it." Arioso’s full team is expected to join Bosch. Terms weren’t disclosed.