George J. Laurer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George J. Laurer
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George Joseph Laurer
September 23, 1925 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | December 5, 2019 (aged 94) Wendell, North Carolina, U.S.
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Notable work
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Universal Product Code |
George Joseph Laurer (born September 23, 1925 – died December 5, 2019) was a clever American engineer. He is famous for inventing the barcode, also known as the Universal Product Code (UPC), in 1973. He worked as an engineer at a big company called IBM. His job was to create the special pattern used for the Universal Product Code.
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Who Was George Laurer?
George Laurer was born in New York City, U.S., on September 23, 1925. He grew up to become an important engineer. His work changed how we buy things every day.
The Barcode Inventor
In 1973, George Laurer was working for IBM. He was given the task of designing a code that could be scanned quickly. This code needed to help stores keep track of their products. He came up with the idea of the Universal Product Code, or UPC.
How the Barcode Works
The barcode is a series of black lines and spaces. These lines hold information about a product. When a scanner reads the barcode, it quickly identifies the item. This makes checking out at stores much faster. It also helps stores manage their inventory.
Laurer's Later Life
George Laurer passed away at his home in Wendell, North Carolina, on December 5, 2019. He was 94 years old. His invention, the barcode, is still used all over the world today.
Images for kids
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The Universal Product Code was developed by Laurer while at IBM.
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