In 1942, Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr and American composer George Antheil were granted a US patent for an innovative frequency-hopping system designed to prevent the jamming of radio-controlled torpedoes. Decades ahead of its time, their invention would later form the basis for secure satellite links, GPS, and mobile phone technology.
Inventive collaboration born in wartime
Hedy Lamarr, already famous for her acting career in films such as Algiers and Samson and Delilah, combined glamour with remarkable technical insight. George Antheil, a composer known for his experimental “Ballet Mécanique,” brought expertise in synchronisation and mechanical engineering. The two met during the early years of the Second World War, and their shared interest in aiding the Allied war effort led to an unexpected collaboration.
How the technology worked
Their invention involved a “frequency-hopping spread spectrum” technique, where a radio transmitter and receiver would synchronise to switch between multiple frequencies in rapid succession. This made it difficult for enemy forces to detect or block the signal, significantly reducing the risk of interference or jamming. The duo even drew inspiration from the mechanics of player pianos, adapting its roll mechanisms to coordinate frequency shifts.
Military rejection, civilian legacy
Despite receiving the patent on 11 August 1942, the US Navy initially dismissed the invention, deeming it impractical for wartime deployment. It would remain unused by the military for decades. However, with the advent of digital electronics and advanced telecommunications in the late 20th century, frequency-hopping became integral to wireless security.
Impact on modern communications
The principles laid out by Lamarr and Antheil underpin technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and modern cellular networks. By making wireless signals more resilient to interference, their concept enabled the development of robust, high-speed, and secure communications, influencing everything from smartphone connectivity to satellite links.
Recognition after decades of obscurity
For years, Lamarr and Antheil’s contribution went largely unrecognised outside niche technical circles. It was not until the late 1990s that Lamarr received formal accolades, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014. Today, their story serves as a reminder that innovation can come from unexpected sources, and that groundbreaking ideas often precede their practical application by decades.
A lasting technological inheritance
From a little-used wartime patent to a cornerstone of modern connectivity, the work of Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil highlights the far-reaching consequences of inventive thinking. What began as a bid to protect Allied munitions has evolved into a foundation for billions of secure digital connections worldwide.
REFH – Newshub, 11 August 2025
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