3 World-Changing Inventions Born at MIT

Updated for 2025

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge stands as a global leader in innovation, shaping the world through groundbreaking research. Just across the river from Boston, MIT has birthed inventions that transformed technology, robotics, and medicine. Explore three of MIT’s most iconic contributions and see why this school is a must-visit for tech lovers in Boston.

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1. The Internet: From ARPANET to Global Connectivity

In the late 1960s, MIT researchers helped lay the foundation for the Internet through the ARPANET project, a precursor to today’s global network. Working with other universities and defense contractors, MIT developed packet-switching and network protocols that enabled data to travel across systems—key to creating the Internet. This innovation revolutionized communication and connectivity worldwide. In 2025, visit MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) in Cambridge to see ongoing Internet research or attend a public lecture on tech history (check MIT’s event calendar for schedules).

KISMET

2. Kismet: A Pioneering Social Robot

Developed in the late 1990s by Dr. Cynthia Breazeal at MIT’s Media Lab, Kismet was a trailblazing social robot with an expressive face—moving eyes, ears, and eyebrows—and vocal abilities. It could perceive and mimic human emotions, paving the way for affective computing and human-robot interaction. Kismet’s legacy lives on in modern robotics, influencing applications in healthcare, education, and companionship. In 2025, explore MIT’s Media Lab exhibits in Cambridge to learn about current robotics projects building on Kismet’s foundation (open to the public during select hours).

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CRISPR diagram

3. CRISPR-Cas9: A Breakthrough in Gene Editing

In 2012, MIT scientist Dr. Feng Zhang and his team advanced CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool that allows precise DNA modifications. This breakthrough has transformed genetics, enabling treatments for genetic disorders, disease-resistant crops, and new biotechnology research. Today, CRISPR continues to drive medical innovations, from cancer therapies to rare disease solutions. In 2025, visit the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge to attend a public seminar on CRISPR’s latest applications (check their event schedule for details).

MIT’s Lasting Impact

From the Internet to robotics and gene editing, MIT’s inventions have reshaped the world. What’s your favorite MIT breakthrough? Share in the comments!

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