Ep 19. Inventor of Email

In this episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, viewers are introduced to the man credited with inventing email, Va Shiva Ayyadurai. Born in India, Ayyadurai moved to the United States as a child and began to develop his interest in technology and computer programming at a young age. As a teenager, he was hired as a research fellow at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where he began working on a project that would eventually lead to the creation of email.

The episode follows Ayyadurai's story as he explains the challenges he faced while creating this innovative technology. Ayyadurai explains that he developed a system for electronic messaging as part of his work at the university, which he called "EMAIL." He developed the system in 1978 - a time when computers were not typically used by most people and communication was still largely done through telephones and mail.

The episode goes on to detail the different features of Ayyadurai's email system, including its ability to organize messages, add attachments and forward messages to other users. Ayyadurai discusses the importance of email in the modern world, pointing out that it has revolutionized communication and has become an essential part of our daily lives.

Viewers also get an inside look into the process of getting a patent, as Ayyadurai discusses the lengthy process he went through to secure the patent for his email system. He explains that he faced many challenges along the way, including skepticism from others about the usefulness of email and resistance from competitors who were threatened by his invention. However, Ayyadurai persevered and finally succeeded in getting his patent approved in 1982.

The episode also features other innovative inventors and technologies that transformed the way we live and work. Viewers meet the team behind the iRobot Roomba, a robot vacuum cleaner that has become a part of many households. The episode also explores the history of the telegraph, a precursor to email, and how it revolutionized communication in its time.

A highlight of the episode is a segment on the invention of the television. Viewers learn about the early pioneers of television technology, including John Logie Baird and Philo Farnsworth. The episode features rare footage of early television broadcasts and highlights the importance of this invention in shaping modern culture.

Overall, The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 1 episode 19 is a fascinating look at the history of email and the people and technologies that have contributed to its development. From the teenage genius who invented email to the creators of the Roomba and pioneers of television, this episode celebrates the spirit of innovation and the power of technology to change our world.