In 1942, Hedy Lamarr co-patented a system to protect torpedo signals; 55 years later, the Hollywood star received recognition for her wireless innovation

Hedy Lamarr invention: Long before Wi-Fi and Bluetooth became part of everyday life, Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr was working on an invention aimed at making radio-guided torpedoes harder to jam. In 1940, Lamarr began working with composer George Antheil on a system for a radio-guided torpedo. Their idea involved synchronizing a transmitter and receiver so they could change frequencies together, making it more difficult for an enemy to interfere with the signal. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History documents their invention work from 1940 to 1942.

Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil Developed a Frequency-Hopping System