DYK Modern Day Technologies Like Mobile, TV, Fridge, ATM Have Scottish Connection?

If we look at the global electronics manufacturers, most of the companies are based in the USA, UK, China or South Korea. For example, Apple, a giant in this sector, has its headquarters in California. On the other hand, Samsung, recognised for its wide range of products like television, smartphones, laptops and home electronics, was founded by a South Korean businessman, Lee Byung-Chul. But what if we say none of these electronic devices were invented in these countries? Television, telephone, refrigerator and even the ATM were actually the brainchild of some Scottish inventors.

Scotland is mainly known for its contributions to poetry, art and music. However, the scientists hailing from this European country are credited with several discoveries that can be seen as the foundation for modern technology. Nowadays, we can’t imagine a day without our smartphones. Apart from aiding in long-distance communication, these devices have also brought the entire world to our fingertips.

Alexander Graham Bell patented the first-ever workable telephone in 1876. He might be known as a Canadian-American scientist, but Bell was born in Scotland. The device he first invented was completely different from modern-age cellphones. It was a box-like structure, through which people could communicate with others.

The television system was introduced by a Scotting inventor named John Logie Baird. He demonstrated his discovery first in January 1926. His device used a mechanical scanner to produce the video signal. Though its picture quality was quite poor, the prototype let other scientists think further about the concept.

Nowadays, refrigerators can be found in almost every household across the world. It was a Scotting physician, William Cullen, who first developed the principle of cold storage. He revealed his concept while staying in Glasgow in 1748. Cullen perhaps didn’t design any particular device but his work later helped in producing modern-day refrigerators where people can keep food and other items for a certain period.

Thanks to the introduction of online money transfer and UPI payment, city people are gradually turning their back on ATMs (Automated Teller Machine). However, there are many places where people still rely on ATMs for cash withdrawals. This useful machine was also invented by a Scot, James Goodfellow. Besides ATMs, he also patented the PIN technology, which has become popular in other sectors as well.