Incredible Inventions: Innovations That Changed the World
By Sophia Maddox | December 18, 2023
Igniting Knowledge Through the Printing Press
Even though people in China had been using wood-block printing techniques since the ninth century, and people in Korea had been using movable metal type since at least the 1300s, Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the world when he invented the printing press around 1436.
The printing press allowed more people to receive written information, so sharing ideas became much easier. Reformers like Martin Luther were able to reach a larger audience, sparking societal and political changes.
The invention of the printing press invention allowed more people to learn, as opposed to a select few. It allowed scholars to share information across long distances. This encouraged people to want to know more about many things, furthering scientific and artistic discoveries. The printing press also allowed people to share creative information, fueling the Renaissance with its artwork by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael; exploration of the world; opening global trade routes; and the revival of classical learning. This would lead to some the world's greatest authors, like William Shakespeare and Ernest Hemingway, creating their best works.
Illuminating the World With Electricity
Ever since Alessandro Volta figured out how to provide a stable electrical current through a battery in 1800, electricity has been a vital part of everyday life. It has allowed people to work around the clock so that factories can keep up with product demand. Once workers returned home, they found that their lives improved there, too.
In addition to supplying power to factories, electricity has been a driving force behind urbanization. Cities use it at water plants to provide safe drinking water to residents. So it's safe to say that electricity has turned out to be pretty important.
Pioneering Noninvasive Imaging With MRI Scanners
MRI scanners have transformed medical care by allowing doctors to see the body's internal structures without operating. This allows them to diagnose a variety of conditions accurately. Since there is no surgery, the patient's chance of getting an infection is minimal.
MRI scans can be beneficial for areas where surgery is risky, such as the brain. They often allow doctors to identify cases where medications or other noninvasive treatments can solve the problem as well as those cases where surgery is needed. Therefore, many other inventions may have been made possible through the use of MRI scans to help patients heal.
Transforming Industries Through Revolutionizing Robotics
Ever since 1954, when George Devol and Joseph Engelberger invented the Unimate robot arm that General Motors installed at one of their plants, robotics has revolutionized how industries make products. Robots are ideal for performing tasks requiring a high level of precision. In many cases, they are much more efficient than human workers.
Robots have also changed medical care. Surgeons can use them to do minimally invasive operations. This has allowed doctors to increase accuracy, reduce recovery times and improve outcomes. In addition, robots can help people with mobility issues, enhancing the quality of life. For instance, robots can be used to help paraplegics stand and feed themselves.
Workers in various industries can use robots to automate systems for inventory management, order fulfillment and transportation by streamlining the movement of goods, increasing efficiency and reducing errors. They have been instrumental in helping large e-commerce companies to process orders faster and more accurately.
Discover the World Using GPS
Many people, including Roger L. Easton, considered the father of the Global Positioning System (GPS), played a role in getting Navstar 1, the first GPS satellite, sent into orbit in 1978. GPS has been a game changer in mapping and providing geographic information. This information is invaluable to defense organizations worldwide. It has also allowed people to enjoy their favorite recreational activities, like hiking, sailing, or flying, in areas where they are not familiar with the terrain.
GPS has also been instrumental in search-and-rescue efforts. This has allowed emergency crews to find remote addresses and locations faster. For example, researchers can use GPS to narrow the search field substantially if a boat goes into distress in the middle of an ocean.
GPS has also changed the logistic industry. Trucking firms can use it to optimize routes, monitor their trucks' locations and keep everyone updated, leading to more efficient supply chains, reduced fuel consumption and a lower carbon footprint.
Use a Compass and Never Get Lost
If you could travel back to China's Han Dynasty, you would discover that people had just learned how to use naturally magnetized iron ore to give them directions. Over time, the compass became much more technical, transforming the world for the better.
The invention of the compass paved the way for the Age of Discovery, greatly expanding maritime exploration and trade. While this period had some devastating effects on indigenous people, it was during the Age of Discovery that Columbus explored America, a sea route from India to Africa was established, and explorers proved the earth was round.
The compass's invention also helped create the Columbian Exchange, allowing for the exchange of crops, animals and technologies in diverse locations. In many cases, people equipped with a compass discovered new trade routes, improving the economic conditions of people who developed a larger trading circle.
The Invention of the Automobile Transformed Global Transportation and Helped Reshape Society
When Carl Benz applied to patent his Motorwagen in 1886, it transformed the world forever. Over time, it allowed people to live where they wanted, leading to the development of many suburbs, as people no longer had to walk or bike to work.
The invention of the car also changed industry forever. When Henry Ford set out to create the first automobile available to the masses, he changed the way people built cars. He created assembly lines instead of making them one car at a time. This revolutionized the way that other industries constructed their products. In addition, transportation allowed industries to get supplies from outside their immediate trade area.
Steam Engines Propel the World Into the Industrial Revolution
It's doubtful that the Industrial Revolution would have occurred if Thomas Newcomen had not invented the steam engine in 1712. The shift to steam allowed industries to rapidly expand their capacities. Steam engines also allowed mine owners to dig deeper and faster, making more raw resources available.
Most famously, the steam engine powered steam trains which allowed companies to get supplies to operate their businesses from a much broader area. At the same time, companies were able to expand their markets so that people far away could get the things they produced.
Since factories became larger and more numerous, people moved from rural areas to areas around the factories. Therefore, many cities in Europe and the northeastern United States saw substantial growth. After struggling with growth pains, such as a lack of housing for workers, these cities became powerful forces where people could easily join together to create social changes.
Transforming Human Mobility With the Wheel
Archeologists believe the first wheel was a potter's wheel used in Mesopotamia about 5,600 years ago. People used wheels to make vessels to store food and carry water.
The wheelbarrow is said to have first appeared in classical Greece, sometime between the sixth and fourth centuries B.C.
Archeologists have found a wooden wheel that they believe is about 5,150 years old. Before people invented the wheel and axle, they had to walk or use domesticated animals to travel everywhere. Connecting wheels to axles allowed people to ride in carts and use other forms of transportation to travel much further distances. These wheels also allowed armies to use them to defend and conquer lands.
Early wheels were also crucial to agriculture. Even when farmers had to walk behind farming implements, they used wheels so that they would move more easily. Therefore, growing food, tilling soil, planting crops and harvesting became much more efficient.
Connecting Hearts and Minds With the Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for the telephone, which he called improvement in telegraphy, on March 7, 1876. It fueled a communication revolution, allowing journalists worldwide to call in stories to keep people informed. Families relied on the phone to keep up with other members, while friends often used party lines to catch up on the latest gossip. The telephone has been many people's lifeline when they needed emergency services.
The telephone was a vital link in the sharing of information. It led to the development of the radio, television and the internet. The exchange of ideas over telephone wires let many scholars and inventors move forward on their ideas and find missing pieces of information for their projects.
Empowering Human Knowledge With the Internet
When Sir Timothy Berners-Lee and others figured out how to put the world online, they revolutionized it forever. People were able to learn what others thought globally by only going online. Email, instant messaging, video calls and social media platforms changed how people talked to each other at work and home through information sharing. People who would never meet in person could form friendships online. Some people have used the internet to find their future spouses.
In addition, the internet changed the way people did business. Instead of buying products at local stores, they could shop online and have the product delivered to their homes. This has allowed some people to set up businesses that their local communities are not big enough to support.
Most importantly, the internet has allowed people to learn subjects that they would not have understood without it. Students no longer had to head to the library. Instead, they could look up information online. People who could not attend brick-and-mortar colleges could earn degrees online.
The Life-Saving Medical Breakthrough of Penicillin
When Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, discovered penicillin in 1928 at St. Mary's Hospital in London, he laid the foundation for other critical medical inventions. It was the first significant antibiotic and allowed doctors to cure many bacterial infections that would have killed people in the past. It also gave doctors a tool to use after surgery and other medical interventions where they knew the possibilities of a patient getting an infection was high.
People lived longer after penicillin's invention, so the drug played an essential role in many other inventions by allowing people to live long enough to finish their work. Penicillin has also led to better public health conditions.
Penicillin paved the way for other medical advances, especially after World War II. Doctors used it to treat soldiers injured during battles, lowering the death count.
Entertaining and Educating Through Television
Ever since Philo Farnsworth transmitted the first electronic television image in 1927, the development of the television changed the world forever. This form of mass communication allowed people to see and hear events they might otherwise not know about for months. It quickly became a tool for changing people's perceptions. People could use the television to learn about things that interested them. Many political leaders have used television for good or bad to disseminate information to people they were leading or wanted to lead.
The invention of the television also changed family dynamics. It gave them something that they could do together. Television commercials are instrumental in helping consumers decide which products will work best for them.
Sparking a New Era With the Light Bulb
Ever since Thomas Edison invented the first practical incandescent light bulb in 1879, people have relied on it to provide light. Its invention allowed people to work and play when it was dark outside. People no longer had to worry about where they placed windows on buildings because they could always use indoor lighting.
The invention of the light bulb also led to urbanization. People could work in large factories. In addition, they could spend their leisure time in movie theaters and other venues that use light bulbs to illuminate their facilities. Cities became safer environments because people could see what was around them - the world really did change with this incredible invention.
Shaping the Course of History With the Atomic Bomb
The atomic bomb was instrumental in bringing about the swift end of World War II. According to the Atomic Archive, about 105,00 people died and about 94,000 more were injured when the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
The invention and use of the atomic bomb caused the world to enter the nuclear age. For a while, the United States was the only nation with nuclear bomb capabilities. This cemented the country's leadership position, which was good for freedom and human rights.
As more countries developed the ability to make nuclear weapons, leaders became more concerned that if they used theirs, then other countries would use theirs in retaliation.
Achieving Global Innovation Through Computer Use
Without the invention of the computer, many other inventions would not have occurred because people could not share information readily. English mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage gets the credit for designing three computers in the 1800s although lack of funds kept him from building any of them. In 1936, Alan Turing, another Englishman, invented the first modern computer.
Many people have looked something up on a computer and become more interested in a subject, which has led to people choosing career paths, coming up with novel ideas to solve problems or gaining new insights.
Computers are an integral part of modern industries. For example, many machines in production factories run through computers. They have automated complex tasks and allowed one person to do multiple things. In many cases, they have streamlined processes and improved efficiency.
Computers have also led to machine learning and artificial intelligence. This has allowed doctors to see more patients and treat them accurately.
Revolutionizing the World's Supply Chain Through Barcodes
Ever since Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver began working on a barcode system in 1948, barcodes have revolutionized the way that businesses operate. Companies can use barcodes to monitor stock levels, track goods' movement, and automate the inventory replenishment process.
Barcodes are great for retail merchants as they automate much of the checkout process. Customers can scan the barcodes themselves, eliminating the need for cashiers. As customers buy the products, the system can automatically keep a tally, so the store knows when the supply is running low.
In addition, barcodes allow for supply transparency. Everyone accessing a company's system can see where products are available and when a store might get more. This transparency can be essential in meeting governmental regulations for some industries.
Instantaneously Connecting the World Through Email
An American computer programmer, Ray Tomlinson, sent the first email on Oct. 29, 1969, instantly changing how people communicate. People could communicate with many people at one time, and they could read and respond to emails when they were available. The world seemed to grow smaller, encouraging people in diverse locations to work together.
People in many locations could see the same documents. This eliminated the need for someone to send a separate email to everyone who needed the information. Therefore, businesses became much more efficient. Since files were shared electronically, it also eliminated the need to send paper copies through the mail, which could be a tedious task.
At work and away, many people found it easier to work together to plan events from family dinners to business meetings. Everyone could know who was working on what task, so there were fewer headaches for the official organizer.
Decoding the Blueprint of Life Through DNA Sequencing
The groundbreaking work of Frederick Sanger and Walter Gilbert gave scientists the ability to do DNA sequencing and changed the world. Many medical breakthroughs have occurred because doctors could identify the genetic reasons for specific diseases. Sometimes, knowing a person's DNA sequence allows medicines to be tailored to meet their health challenges. In other cases, DNA sequencing allows doctors to identify patients at a higher risk of getting certain diseases so they can undergo further testing. Diseases caught early often have better treatment outcomes. Other times, doctors can discover problems while the child is still in the womb, giving families time to prepare.
Bringing the Digital Age to Everyone Through Smartphones
The IBM Simon Personal Communicator and other early smartphones revolutionized how people communicate. Instead of catching someone at home or work where they could answer a landline phone, people could contact others on their smartphones. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and email made it easy for people to use their smartphones to stay connected.
Smartphones also put the internet in everyone's hands. This revolutionized many people's lives by giving them access to information they would not otherwise be able to access. For example, a farmer in a remote part of Africa could get the latest agricultural news from around the world. It also allowed people to get emergency help without getting to a landline phone.
Smartphones also gave people access to apps that could simplify their lives. They became cameras, music players, GPS navigation systems and more, which ended the need to keep up and carry multiple devices.
Shaping Cultural Paradigms Through Social Media
Ever since social media sites like Six Degrees laid the groundwork for people to use social media sites, they have been responsible for helping to tear down cultural and physical boundaries. People could use posts, messaging, comments and video calls to find out what others thought. This has resulted in the creation of a global community.
Social media has made people much more knowledgeable about the world around them. It provides platforms where leaders can disseminate news quickly. Social media also helps people connect with others who are interested in the same causes so that they can work on raising awareness of important issues.
Often, people feel much more self-empowered when they use social media. It is easy to share the things that make you proud. This has created a new industry, including influencers, bloggers and content creators. People can also use social media to introduce their businesses to people in diverse locations, it really is one of the most fundamental inventions of the last 100 years.
3D Printing Transforms Manufacturing and Ignites Innovation
Ever since Charles W. Hull introduced the first 3D printer to the market, it has transformed manufacturing and changed other industries. Manufacturers can use it to create prototypes quickly, helping to bring products to market faster. It also allows manufacturers to try different designs inexpensively, so they know which options work best. A variety of industries, including aerospace and medical, benefit from being able to make customized designs quickly and at reasonable prices.
The process of 3D printing allows experts to make prosthetics and implants for people who need them. Surgeons can make them for each patient. By using other inventions, the surgeon can do this before surgery, helping speed up the process.
Architects can also use 3D printing to create buildings. The process is time and cost-effective as workers can mass-produce materials in a centralized location. They can also use 3D printing to create models to easily understand how a building will look before beginning construction. Nice!
Artificial Intelligence Reshapes the Future of Innovation and Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) has and continues to reshape many areas of life. For example, manufacturers can use it to make manufacturing more precise and efficient while employing a smaller workforce. They can also use it to streamline the process. Once the product is ready to ship, they can use artificial intelligence to handle logistics.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing healthcare. Providers can enter data ahead of time, which allows them to see more patients. In addition, doctors can use auto-generated questions to identify possible conditions that they do not often see so that they can send a patient on to a specialist when necessary.
Space Travel Revolutionizes Global Perspectives
Ever since Yuri Gagarin circled the globe Vostok 1 on April 12, 1961, space travel has revolutionized the world. Numerous technological advancements and innovations have occurred since then because of that 108-minute flight. Satellites circling the earth help people communicate across the globe. These satellites also help meteorologists forecast the weather. Especially in remote areas, many people count on satellites to connect to the internet, allowing them to learn and be entertained. Many technologies initially designed for space travel have been transformed into medical uses.
International diplomacy has become stronger through space travel, especially aboard the International Space Shuttle. Resources, expertise and knowledge are often shared between countries participating in joint space missions.
Almost everyone alive at the time can tell you where they were when Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon, and space travel has inspired countless generations of inventors since that time.
Radios Connect the World in Real Time
When Guglielmo Marconi and others invented the radio in 1895, they revolutionized the world forever. People could get on the radio waves to share real-time information with many people. For example, many people have received emergency weather announcements over the radio.
Many leaders have used the radio to communicate with the people under them. One of the most notable examples was President Franklin Roosevelt, who regularly held fireside chats to let people know what was happening during World War II. These chats often showcased how citizens who could not serve in the military could help with war efforts.
Before the invention of the radio, people got their news from local sources. This led to a very limited understanding of the broader world. After its invention, people could listen to the radio for entertainment, news and comedy, giving them a more comprehensive worldview.
Satellite Communication Revolutionizes Information Exchange
Satellite communication has revolutionized the world by allowing people in diverse locations to communicate instantly, fostering business interactions, cultural exchange and diplomatic relations. Satellites have allowed people to get the internet in remote locations.
Satellite communication has greatly aided weather forecasting. Meteorologists can use them to make more accurate predictions. Transmitted images can aid disaster monitoring, environmental management, agriculture and urban planning.
If you regularly use GPS technology, you are relying on satellite communications. Without these satellites, you may stay perpetually lost. Satellites have also dramatically aided people responsible for transportation and logistics systems.
Quantum Computing Transforming Data Processing
The speed of quantum computers allows them to carry out complex tasks that ordinary computers struggle to do quickly. This can open new fields for performing scientific research, analyzing data and solving problems.
One industry revolutionized by quantum computing is securing communication and information. Quantum computers can efficiently solve mathematical problems, such as factoring large numbers, that form the basis of securing communication systems. This can help keep the information that you share online safer.
Quantum computing is vital to machine learning. In particular, it helps to automate complex tasks. This can be very useful in diverse industries, including logistics and supply chain management and financial modeling.
Creating Global Power Paradigms Through Clean Energy Solutions
Clean energy solutions have allowed people to get cost-effective power. This energy has been instrumental in helping third-world countries access the power they need to move forward. In many areas, clean energy has allowed people to lower the amount of indoor air pollution by transforming from traditional cooking methods. In some areas, clean energy has allowed people to grow crops where they could not previously do so because of the lack of power.
Advancements in clean energy have also fueled other innovations allowing for improved energy storage, smart grid technologies and more efficient renewable energy systems. These solutions have also aided in building an energy grid that is more reliable and resilient.
Transforming Lifestyles Through Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has transformed the world in many ways. No place is this statement truer than in the health and fitness field. For example, people with diabetes can wear technology to monitor their blood sugar levels, people with insomnia can use it to keep track of their sleep patterns, and individuals with heart issues can monitor their heart rates. Wearable devices are also helpful to the public by assisting them in tracking the number of footsteps taken and meeting other fitness goals.
Wearable devices allow people to communicate without using other devices. Using this technology allows people to make and receive phone calls and send text messages directly from their wrists. In addition, people can wear eyeglasses that instantly translate foreign languages into the person's native language.
Reshaping the World With Laser Technology
Lasers are constantly reshaping how people complete tasks. For example, manufacturers can intricately and accurately process various materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics, using lasers. The laser-cutting process often leads to improved product quality and reduced production costs.
Wavelength division multiplexing lasers allow people to send data over long distances using laser lights, greatly enhancing the speed and capacity of communication networks. The internet often uses this technology so that data can be transmitted rapidly and videos can be uploaded and downloaded.
Lasers are used for surgeries, diagnostics and treatments because of their precision. They offer patients the ability to undergo minimally invasive procedures so let's take our hats off to lasers.
