# 214: Tiny Sensor Problems

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2017-09-07
- Length: 54m
- Episode: 214
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/214-tiny-sensor-problems

## Summary

Kristen Dorsey, an assistant professor at Smith College and researcher at MicroSmithie, explains the physics and fabrication of MEMS sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and flexible strain sensors. She details how commercial IMUs use moving capacitors and the Coriolis effect, while her own work focuses on rubber-based sensors for VR and robotics that face challenges with humidity, temperature drift, and manufacturing consistency. The conversation covers the limitations of scaling MEMS with standard CMOS processes, the potential of energy harvesting for infrastructure monitoring, and the hype surrounding chemical sensors and micro-robots.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems#t=6) Introduction and Lightning Round
- [2:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems#t=176) MEMS Definition and Fabrication
- [7:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems#t=464) Accelerometer and Gyroscope Mechanics
- [14:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems#t=882) Flexible Strain Sensors and VR Applications
- [18:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems#t=1081) Challenges with Chemical Sensors and Stability
- [26:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems#t=1603) Micro-Robotics and Energy Harvesting
- [33:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-09-07-214-tiny-sensor-problems#t=1988) Fun MEMS Devices and Research Advice

## Topics

- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Smith College (company)
- MicroSmithie (company)
- Galistan (material)
- Micronium (product)

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- [MEMS & Sensors Summit | WiFi & LoRa Make Nice | How to Blow A Recovery](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-10-04-mems-sensors-summit-wifi-lora-make-nice-how-to-blow-a-recovery) (EE Times Current)
- [Conversation with IEEE Medal of Honor Recipient Asad Madni](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2022-03-11-conversation-with-ieee-medal-of-honor-recipient-asad-madni) (EE Times Current)
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- [Episode 128: Making microrobots move - Ali K. Hoshiar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-10-10-episode-128-making-microrobots-move-ali-k-hoshiar) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

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