Eugene Polley, an American who invented the remote control in 1955, without which many people today cannot even imagine watching television, has died at the age of 97.

Polley joined Zenith Radio in 1935, where he later patented 18 inventions, including the television remote control. At the time, it was described as a flashlight-like device that could be used to turn the television on and off and change channels.

The device worked on the basis of photocells attached to the corners of the television screen. It was causing problems in the strong sun, so the company developed a new one in 1960.

During World War II, Polley worked on the American radar system, and he also participated in the development of a car radio with buttons and a pre to the DVD.

Below you can see a commercial for the remote control from 1961.