John Dunlop (Scottish inventor)

John Dunlop was a Scottish inventor best known for creating the first practical pneumatic (air-filled) tire in 1888. His invention replaced solid rubber tires with inflatable ones, significantly improving bicycle and vehicle comfort, handling, and safety. Dunlop’s innovation allowed tires to better absorb shocks and adjust to road conditions, facilitating the development of more efficient transportation. His invention laid the foundation for modern tire technology, impacting countless vehicles worldwide. Dunlop's work demonstrated how applying engineering principles to everyday problems could lead to widely beneficial technological advancements.