In 1994, Japanese engineer Masahiro Hara forever changed the way we share and access information. While working at Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, Hara created the Quick Response (QR) code — a small, square matrix capable of storing thousands of characters and readable from any direction.
At a time when barcodes were limited to just a handful of numbers, the QR code offered a breakthrough. It could hold far more data, scan almost instantly, and even correct errors if partially damaged. What began as a tool to track car parts in factories soon became a universal technology.
In a bold move, Denso Wave patented the QR code but chose never to enforce it, allowing people and businesses everywhere to adopt it freely. This decision transformed the QR code from a niche industrial tool into a global standard.
Today, QR codes are everywhere — from restaurant menus and event tickets to mobile payments, advertising, and even medical records. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they became a lifeline for contactless interactions, further cementing their role in modern society.
The story of the QR code is not just about technology; it is about the power of open innovation. By sharing rather than restricting, Masahiro Hara and Denso Wave sparked a revolution that continues to shape how the world connects.
From factory floors in Japan to smartphones across the globe, the QR code remains a reminder that sometimes, the greatest impact comes not from owning an idea — but from giving it to the world.
Source:https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqSKDr6dh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
