Biography of Gregorio Zara, Inventor of the
Videophone
Gregorio Zara (March 8, 1902–October 15, 1978) was a Filipino scientist best
known as the inventor of the videophone, the first two-way electronic video
communicator, in 1955. All told, he patented 30 devices. His other inventions
ranged from an alcohol-powered airplane engine to a solar-powered water heater
and stove.
Fast Facts: Gregorio Zara
Known For: Inventor of the video telephone
Born: March 8, 1902 in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
Died: October 15, 1978
Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of
Michigan, Sorbonne University
Awards and Honors: National Scientist Award (Philippines)
Spouse: Engracia Arcinas Laconico
Children: Antonio, Pacita, Josefina, Lourdes
Early Life
Gregorio Zara was born on March 8, 1902, in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines. He
earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, a master's in aeronautical engineering (summa cum
laude) at the University of Michigan, and a doctorate in physics at Sorbonne
University in Paris (summa cum laude with Tres Honorable, the highest graduate
student honor).
He returned to the Philippines and became involved in both the government and
the academic worlds. He worked in several posts with the Department of Public
Works and Communications and the Department of National Defense, mostly in
the aviation. At the same time, he taught aeronautics at several universities—
including the American Far Eastern School of Aviation, the Far Eastern
University, and the FEATI University—and published many books and research
papers on aeronautics.
In 1934 Zara married Engracia Arcinas Laconico, who the year before had been
named Miss Philippines. They had four children: Antonio, Pacita, Josefina, and
Lourdes.
Discoveries Begin
In 1930, he discovered the physical law of electrical kinetic resistance, known as
the Zara Effect, which involves the resistance to the passage of an electric current
when contacts are in motion. Later he invented the earth induction compass,
which is still used by pilots, and in 1954 his airplane engine powered by alcohol
had a successful test flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Then came the videophone. Before video calling became as commonplace as it is
in the 21st century, the technology had been developed but started slowly,
possibly because it was so far ahead of its time. In the middle of the 1950s, long
before the start of the digital age, Zara developed the first videophone or two-way
television-telephone. The device left the realm of science fiction and comic books
when Zara patented it in 1955 as a “photo phone signal separator network.”
Videophone Catches On
That first iteration didn't catch on, largely because it wasn’t intended as a
commercial product. But in the 1960s, AT&T began working on a model of a
videophone, called a “picturephone,” aimed at the public. The company released
the videophone at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, but it was seen as impractical
and didn't fare well.
It caught fire as the digital age was beginning in the late 1990s. The videophone
first caught on as a device that easily enabled distance learning and video
conferencing and also proved helpful for the hearing impaired. Then came such
derivations as Skype and smartphones, and the videophone became ubiquitous
worldwide.
Other Scientific Contributions
Zara's other inventions and discoveries include:
Improving methods of producing and harnessing solar energy, including
new designs for a solar-powered water heater, stove, and battery (1960s)
Inventing wooden aircraft propellers and a corresponding propeller-
cutting machine (1952)
Designing a microscope with a collapsible stage
Helping design the robot Marex X-10, which could walk, talk, and respond
to commands
Inventing the vapor chamber, used to visualize radioactive elements
Zara died of heart failure at the age of 76 in 1978.
Legacy
In his lifetime, Gregorio Zara amassed 30 patents. In the year of his death he was
presented the National Scientist Award, the highest honor the Philippine
government gives to Filipino scientists, by President Ferdinand E. Marcos. He
also received:
The Presidential Diploma of Merit
The Distinguished Service Medal (1959) for his pioneering works and
achievements in solar energy research, aeronautics, and television
The Presidential Gold Medal and Diploma of Honor for Science and
Research (1966)
The Cultural Heritage Award for Science Education and Aero Engineering
(1966)
