The Hispanic Community is historically known for discovering ways to improve electronics, medicine, manufacturing, and transportation. These inventors helped create innovative ways to enjoy the products we use today.
Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena – The Early Color TV
At the age of 17, Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena invented the “chromoscopic adapter for television equipment”, an early color television transmission system. He later went on to file several patents including an invention that would make it easy for black-and-white transmissions to adapt to color images. Gonzalez’s invention also inspired the field-sequential color television system that was used in NASA’s Voyager mission in 1979 to take pictures and video of Jupiter.
Fernando Torres – SIM Cards
SIM Cards are used internationally to connect cellular devices thanks to Fernando Torres. The Nicaraguan-born inventor has four patents, including a U.S. Patent for “Automatic Selection of SIM Cards in Mobile Devices.” His invention helps mobile devices determine a mobile telecommunications service provider of the phone number. Ultimately, his invention connected people with one another globally.
Victor Ochoa
Though trains aren’t used in many parts of the United States, major cities like NYC and DC, get to thank Victor Ochoa for safe travels. Mexican-born Victor Ochoa patented the electric brake in 1907, using magnetic attraction to make it easier for trains to slow down.
Jordi Munoz, founder of 3D Robotics
While waiting for his green card in 2007, Munoz hacked the sensors on the controller of his Nintendo Wii, wrote some code and gave birth to the first autopiloted drone. On a whim, he uploaded video of the flight to a blog called “DIY Drones.” Chris Anderson, former editor in chief ofWired and founder of “DIY Drones,” was so impressed that he sent Munoz $500 to help him continue his work. With that funding, Munoz bought equipment and set up an online store to sell to enthusiasts. Two years later he and Anderson launched 3D Robotics and by 2011 the company had made $5 million in revenue. Fast forward to today, Mr Munoz is 28 and co-founder of the largest US-owned manufacturer of commercial drones.
