== == DEFINITION: MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) technology enables the creation of tiny machines that can work with microelectronics. MEMS also refers to the machines themselves, which add very small sensors and actuators that allow microchip-controlled systems to sense and control their environments.

They are also referred to as micromechanics or micromachines - can refer to both the technology and the specific devices, which range from a micrometer to a millimeter in size. Smaller devices are called NanoElectroMechanical Systems (NEMS) or simply nanotechnology. MEMS and NEMS operate using the principles of mechanics in tiny versions of the classical simple machines (inclined plane, wheel and axle, lever, pulley and screw). Today, MEMS refers to almost any miniaturized device, regardless of whether it's based on silicon technology or traditional precision engineering.