08/17/2024
Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-American actress, co-invented an early version of frequency-hopping spread spectrum communication during World War II. Collaborating with composer George Antheil, they developed a technology designed to prevent radio-controlled torpedoes from being jammed by the enemy. Their system used rapidly changing frequencies to maintain secure communications, laying the groundwork for modern wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Though her work was not recognized during her lifetime, Lamarr's invention has had a lasting impact on telecommunications, showcasing her brilliance beyond Hollywood.