GE Global Research

GE Global Research. . , Today, a research division is common in large companies. In 1900, however, when General Electric launched a dedicated research facility in Schenectady, it was the first of its kind in the country., Proposed by the famous mathematician and electrical engineer, Charles Steinmetz, he convinced GE leaders that a research lab was essential to keeping the company competitive. He even offered his own carriage house as the first location (below)., The lab grew, moving to the main General Electric plant in downtown Schenectady until 1950, when a new facility was built here, on this 500+ acre riverfront site in Niskayuna (above). Where Native American tribes once farmed and fished, engineers from around the world have created groundbreaking advancements in everything from medical imaging to jet engines and green energy., Remarkable Research , Since its founding in 1900, GE Research's many advancements include:, 1913 - The hot cathode X-ray tube invented, allowing doctors to create consistent X-ray images for the first time. , Dr. William Coolidge invented what is considered the modern X-ray tube. He joined the GE Research Laboratory in 1905 and led as its second director from 1932-1945., 1922 - Pioneering research in electronics led to the 1,000 watt radio test and debut of GE's radio station, WGY., 1946 - The first axial flow jet engine premiered as the GE J-35 which became the foundation for future jet engine improvements., 1954 - GE scientists create the first laboratory-grown diamonds in history. Their hardness improved the quality of cutting tools and phonographs., 1973 - GE researcher Ivar Giaever received the Nobel Prize in Physics for superconductive tunneling, 1978 - The introduction of the first total body computed tomography (CT system), the first of many medical imaging innovations., 1984 - GE creates one of the first artificial intelligence applications, designed to help engineers diagnose and repair diesel-electric locomotives., [ Photo Caption ] Dr. Marshall Jones, 2017 National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee, developed two major laser applications-a laser welding system that permitted the welding of different metals and a laser robot that brought laser technology to the assembly line.