Famous people of engineering

Famous people of engineering

Nikolaus Otto
A German inventor, Nikolaus Otto is credited with the development of the four stroke engine. Also referred to as the Otto-cycle engine, his invention helped to initiate the development of motor cars. The same four steps of drawing in fuel and air, compressing the mixture then igniting it, and finally expelling through the exhaust is still the basis for our modern day combustion engines.
Wilber and Orville Wright
Ok, so technically there are two people here, but for the sake of this list we'll count them as one. The brothers were responsible for creating the airplane. Originally bike mechanics, their love of kite-flying and curiosity led them to new heights. Initial prototypes did not stay in the air for long, but the brothers worked tirelessly to develop a pulley system to change the shape of the wing during flight, giving the plane more stability – changing the world we live in today.

Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell

A Scottish born engineer, scientist and inventor, Alexander Graham Bell is credited with providing us with the first telephone. His work was strongly influenced by the fact that unusually both his mother and wife were deaf. This led him to focus on the areas of elocution and speech, and eventually experimenting with hearing devices. The first U.S. patent for the telephone was awarded to him way back in 1876. He also had many other inventions in later life, including in aeronautics and optical telecommunications
George Stephenson
George Stephenson was a civil and mechanical engineer who developed and built steam locomotives for some of the first ever railways. Because of his impact, he is sometimes referred to as 'the Father of the Railway'. He lived during the industrial revolution in Britain, and at the time of his passing in 1848, its railways and factories resulted in it being one of the world’s richest countries. George’s son Robert helped his father build railways and became equally as famous in his own right.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk

Last but by no means least on the list is Elon Musk. The South African born modern day engineer, inventor, and businessman is blazing a trail that is sure to influence the human race for years to come. There’s no doubt that his ambition and ability to make things happen is astounding. From the Tesla car, SolarCity, SpaceX, and the idea behind the Hyperloop, nothing seems too far out of reach for Elon Musk.