It may not come as a surprise that electric power generation, which Thomas Edison is widely credited as inventing, came out on top but there are a few other surprising entries.
A survey of 2,000 adults has crowned electric power generation as the greatest invention of all time, with Thomas Edison often hailed as its pioneer. The poll placed Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s brainchild, the internet, which burst onto the scene in 1990, in second place, while penicillin, discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928, clinched third.
The list of ground breaking innovations also featured modern marvels like smartphones, GPS, and 3D printers within the top 40. According to half of those polled, the best thing about modern gadgets is how they make life easier, while 34 per cent appreciate how some tech helps keep them connected to loved ones.
The study revealed that a staggering 56 per cent of people would find it tough to last more than a day without technology, tethered to their gadgets for an average of six and a half hours daily, with some even clocking up to 12 hours or more.
Commissioned by Vuse Ultra, the research discovered that the average adult shells out £1,013 annually on new tech, with those between 25 to 34 years old splurging the most at £2,121.
A spokesperson from the study said: “It’s clear Brits are embracing technology that makes their lives better in one way or another – with all of these small improvements adding up to a big difference in their day-to-day life.”
Inventions that revolutionised transportation, such as the aeroplane, the car, the steam engine, and the bicycle, were also honoured in the top 40 list.
Vaccinations and the defibrillator joined penicillin in representing medical advancements, while energy sources such as batteries and solar panels were also popular.
Interestingly, one fifth of those surveyed believe they have the potential to create a ‘good’ invention, with ideas ranging from devices with 24/7 battery life, smart shoes that track steps, to a mobile fridge on wheels.
The research, conducted by OnePoll for Vuse Ultra, also revealed the technology we anticipate will exist by 2050, with robots or androids serving as household helpers topping the list (30 per cent).
Other predictions included universal translators for effortless communication (22 per cent), virtual reality holidays and experiences (17 per cent), and self-cleaning homes (15 per cent).
TOP 40 GREATEST INVENTIONS OF ALL TIME:
- Electric power generation
- The internet
- Penicillin
- Vaccinations
- Television
- Airplane
- Telephone
- Computer
- The wheel
- Light bulb
- The car
- Smartphone
- Refrigerator
- Defibrillator
- Radio
- Steam engine
- Camera
- Washing machine
- Satellites
- Battery
- Internet browser (e.g. Google, Safari etc.)
- Printing press
- Electric motors (e.g. in fans, cars, power tools etc.)
- GPS (Global Positioning System)
- Solar panels
- AI
- Compass
- Microwave
- Air conditioning
- Contactless payment
- Bicycle
- Helicopter
- Telescope
- Vacuum
- ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
- Smartwatch
- Sewing machine
- Electric kettle
- 3D printer
- Drones
