What is the story behind the remote control?

Remote controls have become a symbol of modern technology. A tech enthusiast might have several remotes scattered around their living room, all dedicated to their entertainment system. Even those less tech-savvy usually own a few to control everything from televisions and air conditioners to car door locks. And, let's face it, most of us probably have one or two remotes that are permanently lost somewhere under the couch, buried under dust bunnies.

Though most associate remotes with TV control, these devices actually existed long before the television. The origins of remote controls trace back to the 1800s.

In 1898, the brilliant Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla introduced one of the world’s first wireless remote controls at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He referred to his pioneering system, which could operate a variety of mechanical devices, as a "teleautomaton." For his demonstration, Tesla used a small boat that responded to radio waves, with a metal antenna designed to receive a single radio frequency.

Tesla controlled the boat using a box that served as his version of a remote control. This box, featuring a lever and a telegraph key (originally created for Morse code transmission), emitted signals that triggered electrical contacts on the boat, adjusting its rudder and propeller settings to control its movement.

Financially, Tesla's remote-controlled boat was not a success. The U.S. Navy, his intended client, found the technology too fragile for military use. However, the idea of remote control quickly gained traction and began to spread across various technologies.

Not long after Tesla's discoveries, Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres-Quevedo used wireless telegraphy to control a tricycle, an engine-powered boat, and even submarine torpedoes.

The innovations of these inventors set the stage for future developments. During World War I, the German navy deployed remotely controlled boats loaded with explosives to strike enemy ships, marking the dawn of a new form of warfare where weapons could be operated from a distance. In World War II, both German and American forces experimented with and deployed various guided missiles and torpedoes.

During the 1930s and 1940s, remote controls began to make their way into consumer electronics, starting with products like garage door openers and model airplanes. These were among the first of many devices to adopt remotes, marking just the beginning of their revolutionary impact on technology.

The Era of Remote-Controlled Lives

The 1930s also marked the debut of remote controls for radios. Philco (Philadelphia Storage Battery Company) introduced a high-end radio model equipped with a wireless, battery-powered remote known as the Mystery Control. However, these early radio remotes didn’t make the same impact as television remotes would later on.

Before the invention of remote controls, TV viewers had to get up and manually adjust the channel and volume using rotating dials or buttons. In 1950, Zenith, an electronics company, introduced the Lazy Bones remote. However, it was tethered by a long, winding cable that often tripped people up as much as it changed channels.

In the mid-1950s, Zenith engineer Eugene Polley invented the Flashmatic remote, which used light to control the television. However, the TV's four photo cells (located in each corner of the screen) were triggered by all kinds of light sources, from sunlight to overhead lamps, leading to unintended channel changes.

In 1956, Robert Adler, Polley’s colleague, developed the Space Command remote, which used high-frequency ultrasonic sound rather than light. Remarkably, this remote didn’t require batteries; instead, tiny hammers struck four aluminum rods, each creating distinct sounds that only the TV’s receiver could recognize. These rods controlled the power and channel functions, though there was no volume control.

The introduction of this type of remote raised the cost of a new television by about a third, but it didn’t deter buyers. The remotes became known as 'clickers' due to the noise they made, and although their ultrasonic frequencies were inaudible to humans, they caused great distress to many dogs.

Remote controls revolutionized how people interacted with their electronic devices. Instead of physically getting up to change the channel or station, individuals could remain comfortably seated for hours, sparking the creation of the term 'couch potato.'

This marked the emergence of a new form of sedentary lifestyle, where inactive consumers could easily access hundreds, even thousands, of TV channels, endless music options, and a wide array of movies. As viewers increasingly skipped over commercials or dull scenes, TV programs adapted too, adopting faster pacing to maintain constant viewer engagement.

The evolution of remotes also played a key role. Ultrasonic remotes were the norm for televisions until the 1980s, when infrared signals took over as the standard. The growing popularity of remotes for various devices led to a phenomenon called "remote overload," which prompted the creation of universal remotes that could be programmed to control multiple gadgets at once.

Remotes, however, do much more than just change channels. Soon, you'll discover how these devices are not only enhancing our productivity but also encouraging us to explore new adventures in ways we hadn't imagined before.

Remote-controlled World

Nowadays, remote control functionality is a common feature in a vast range of products. From toy cars and helicopters to video game consoles, ceiling fans, and beyond—chances are you'll find a remote-controlled version for almost anything. You can even purchase a remote-controlled toilet, such as the Kohler C3 bidet.

Remotes themselves vary widely in design, ranging from large models for those with poor eyesight to compact, pocket-sized gadgets. Samsung's LED 9000 TV even includes a remote with a built-in LCD touchscreen, allowing you to watch a different program than what's displayed on the main screen.

Smartphones are rapidly becoming universal remotes, capable of controlling a variety of digital devices. With the appropriate app, you can unlock your car from a distance, schedule your DVR to record a show, control YouTube on your laptop, or—of course—change the channels on your TV, among other things.

Remote technology serves more serious functions as well. Precision-guided munitions are now commonly used in global conflicts. Laser-guided bombs allow for precise strikes on smaller, harder-to-hit targets, which were once difficult to attack with traditional 'dumb' bombs. Cruise missiles, launched from distant locations, can be directed to almost any target with incredible accuracy.

A range of armored vehicles are now outfitted with remote-controlled gun turrets, allowing soldiers to operate the weapon from a safe distance. Using a camera and joystick controls, they can aim and fire while remaining protected beneath the turret. Additionally, pilotless drones offer remote surveillance and attack capabilities, with strike teams controlling them from thousands of miles away in an office setting.

Remote technology also serves more peaceful pursuits. NASA, for instance, utilizes remote control extensively in its missions. A major milestone occurred in 1997 when the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft successfully deployed a rover to the Martian surface.

Scientists on Earth sent commands to the rover, instructing it to use various tools to gather data on Mars' weather, soil conditions, and more. This mission's success led to an exciting follow-up in 2003, where the Spirit and Opportunity rovers spent years exploring the red planet.

Remote controls have enabled us to complete tasks that would otherwise be extremely challenging, if not impossible. Despite their long history, remotes are far from obsolete. As technology continues to integrate into every part of our lives, it's highly probable that we'll continue relying on remotes to keep things running smoothly.