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Oct. 1, 1969: Traffic bottlenecks relieved with automated transponder-based tolls
An automated toll-payment experiment on the Golden Gate Bridge improves traffic flow. “Computer Collects Tolls From Passing Vehicles” published in Computerworld Volume 3, Issue 39 on October 1, 1969 In...
April 4, 1973: Geologists use natural language system to study moon samples
Natural language processing made it possible for geologists to engage with computers and extract information about moon samples. “One ‘Lunar’ Step May Be a Leap for Input of ‘Natural’ Language”...
April 11, 1973: Hawaii's ALOHAnet system becomes the first satellite connection on ARPANET
A wireless communication network developed in Hawaii becomes connected via satellite to an early version of the internet. “Aloha Communications System Connects Hawaii to Arpanet” published in Computerworld Volume 7,...
Jan. 31, 1973: House of Representatives casts first electronic vote
An electronic roll call system became the first in a series of digital transformations in the House of Representatives. “House Says ‘Aye’ to Vote System” published in Computerworld Volume 7,...
Feb. 2: 1972: Chemists automate molecular drawings with computers
Computers brought the power of automation and data processing to the field of chemistry, beginning with simple tools for drawing molecules. “Perspective Drawings of Molecules Produced on Plotter Tied to...
Dec. 20, 1972: UCLA student automates carpool system
An early computer-based ridesharing system made UCLA students’ commutes more convenient. “Car Pool Decongests UCLA Parking Lots” published in Computerworld Volume 6, Issue 51 on December 20, 1972 Ridesharing apps...
Sept. 17, 1969: School bus route planning optimized by computer program
Using an IBM computer and a vehicle scheduling program, a New Jersey school district optimized their school bus route planning. “Student School Bus Scheduling Speeded Through Computerized Vehicle Program” published...
April 2, 1969: Michigan schools pioneer computerized attendance tracking
An early form of computerized attendance tracking facilitated early interventions and improved outcomes for at-risk students. “Attendance Data Input by Card Dialers Helps School Monitor 63,000 Students” published in Computerworld...
Feb. 2, 1972: MIT's Project INTREX introduces computers to the library
A series of experiments in computerized information retrieval transformed one of MIT’s libraries. “MIT Gets Grant for DP Library” published in Computerworld Volume 6, Issue 3 on January 19, 1972...
Sept. 17, 1969: Business recovers quickly after hurricane thanks to magnetic tape storage
Magnetic tape patterns replaced paper patterns at a Mississippi factory, allowing for a quick recovery after Hurricane Camille. “Computerization Helps Firm Recover from Hurricane” published in Computerworld Volume 3, Issue...