10 groundbreaking inventions that changed history, created by women

Florence Lawrence: turn signals and brake lights (1914)

Florence Lawrence was one of the first silent film stars, but her influence went far beyond the silver screen.

Passionate about the automobile industry, in 1914 she designed an automatic signalling system for cars. With the push of a button, mechanical arms mounted on a car’s bumper would indicate the driver’s intention to turn or stop. Her invention laid the foundation for today’s indicators and brake lights.

Although she came up with the idea in 1914, it wasn’t patented until 1925. 
She was driven by a desire to improve road safety at a time when cars were becoming popular.

Despite her ingenuity, her invention was never patented. This meant that others were able to exploit the concept without giving her credit.

Hedy Lamarr: wireless communication technologies (1942) 

Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor. During World War II, she and composer George Antheil developed a ‘frequency-hopping’ technology designed to prevent the jamming of radio-controlled torpedoes.

Though it wasn’t adopted by the military at the time, the technology became the basis for modern wireless communications, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Lamarr received no financial reward for her invention and her contribution was only recognised decades later. Her story is a powerful example of how women’s scientific talents have long been undervalued - and often forgotten.

Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper: computer programming (1952)

Ada Lovelace is recognised as the world’s first computer programmer. In the 19th century, she worked with Charles Babbage on his analytical engine, writing the first algorithm intended for machine processing.

This made it possible for the machine to repeat a sequence of instructions, what we now call a ‘loop.’ It was a revolutionary concept at the time.

More than a century later, Grace Hopper expanded on Lovelace’s legacy. Often referred to as the first female hacker, she developed the first computer compiler, enabling code to be translated from one programming language to another. 

Hopper was also instrumental in creating COBOL, a programming language still used today in business and banking systems. Their impact on modern computing is indisputable.

Marie Van Brittan Brown: video surveillance cameras (1969)

Concerned about home security, Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system in 1969.

Her system included a camera connected to a monitor and a two-way communication system, allowing homeowners to remotely monitor their property.

Her invention was the precursor to today’s home security systems used in residences and businesses around the world. 

Nancy Sottos: self-healing materials (2001)

Engineering professor Nancy Sottos is renowned for her work in developing self-healing polymer materials. These materials can repair themselves after sustaining damage, revolutionising industries such as construction,

aerospace, and materials engineering. Advancements in this field are helping to reduce maintenance needs and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure. 

Esther Takeuchi: improved lithium batteries (2009)

Esther Takeuchi transformed medical technology with her improved lithium batteries, used in implantable defibrillators. Her work significantly increased the longevity of these life-saving devices.

With more than 140 patents, her influence on medicine and energy storage technology is undeniable. Her research continues to drive advancements in battery technology and renewable energy. 

Fei-Fei Li and Joy Buolamwini: facial recognition technologies (2010)

Fei-Fei Li and Joy Buolamwini have played key roles in advancing artificial intelligence, particularly facial recognition technology. Li has helped develop more accurate AI models, while Buolamwini advocates for ethical practices in AI and works to address algorithmic bias.