Highlighting the Evolution of Technological Progress

For more than 140 years, IEEE has been a leader in preserving the history of the electrical, electronic and computing fields and related areas of science and technology that underpin modern society. This history showcases a continuous and dynamic cycle where scientific understanding fuels innovation, and technological advancements enable new avenues for exploration with vast implications for our future.

Nokia Bell Labs Celebrates Seven IEEE Milestones

In October, IEEE representatives, Nokia Bell Labs executives and alumni of the storied institution gathered to celebrate seven technological achievements by Bell Labs recognized as IEEE Milestones. Read the full story in The Institute.

IEEE President Kathleen Kramer (center) and Past President Tom Coughlin (fourth from left) with dignitaries at the Nokia Bell Labs milestones dedication.

IEEE dedicated seven pivotal breakthroughs in technology researched and developed at Nokia Bell Labs that have been shaping modern life for over a century as IEEE Milestones.

Recognizing Historic Technology Milestones

Each year, the IEEE Milestones program honors exceptional technical achievements that occurred at least 25 years ago. In 2025, 28 Milestones were dedicated, including:

1951

Cobalt-60 Radiation Cancer Treatment Machines

London, Ontario, Canada and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Two Canadian teams of medical physicists, engineers and radiation oncologists independently, yet cooperatively, designed and assembled the first treatment machines that directed gamma radiation produced by radioactive cobalt-60 onto cancerous tumors in patients. First applied at Victoria Hospital in 1951, this revolutionary treatment has since been used to extend the lives of millions of patients around the world. Tech/professor/doctor demonstrating how to use the Cobalt-60 machine to a group of students

Tech/professor/doctor demonstrating how to use the Cobalt-60 machine to a group of students

A demonstration on how to use the Cobalt-60 machine to a group of students.

1951

1980

Intel 8087 Math Coprocessor

Haifa, Israel Intel’s release of its 8087 math coprocessor vastly expanded the capabilities of its 8086 and 8088 microprocessors by enabling floating-point arithmetic, binary-decimal conversion and transcendental functions, using special CPU instructions designed to invoke a coprocessor.

Representatives during the Intel 8087 Math Coprocessor milestone dedication ceremony.

1980

1993

Color Plasma Television

Hyogo, Japan

In 1993, Fujitsu commercialized the first practical color plasma television, featuring a 21-inch display. The success of this product stimulated further advances in large-screen flat panel displays, opening worldwide markets for large wall-mounted televisions.

42-inch diagonal wide VGA color plasma display

1993

1996

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Hillsboro, Oregon, USA

Initially intended to simplify attaching electronic devices to a PC, USB became a very successful low-cost, high-speed interface for home and business use. Its ability to support new device classes and functionalities, including data storage, power delivery and battery charging, has made USB’s cabling, connectors and logo recognizable worldwide.

Representatives at the Universal Serial Bus milestone dedication ceremony.