Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)

Famous For: Created the first Alternating Current system

Tesla was a Serbian engineer and inventor who is best known for many revolutionary contributions in the field of electricity and magnetism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tesla’s patents and theoretical work formed the basis of modern alternating current electric power (AC) systems, including the polyphase power distribution systems and the AC motor, with which he helped usher in the Second Industrial Revolution.

Aside from his work on electromagnetism and electromechanical engineering, Tesla has contributed in varying degrees to the establishment of robotics, remote control, radar, and computer science, and the expansion of ballistics, nuclear physics, and theoretical physics. He is also credited with designing the first hydroelectricity plant in Niagara Falls. His experiments include cryogenic engineering, transistors, radio wave recorder from outer space, remote control, neon lighting, modern electric motor, earthquake machine, and so on.