Sweden may be known for IKEA and their Swedish meatballs, but more so than that, it is a land of innovation. Medical devices like pacemakers and ultrasounds were invented in Sweden, as well as safety devices such as the standard 3-point seatbelt. Great inventions have come out of Sweden, including a few items that may surprise you.
Electric Candolier
The first item on this list has recently been gaining popularity outside of Nordic countries, despite being invented in 1934. The Swedish advent candelabra was originally a German tradition but became popular in Sweden in the early 1800s. Oskar Andersson invented the first electric candolier to prevent fires that started due to candles burning all night. His creation was so popular that even today around Christmastime, windows around the world are lit up by his invention.
Adjustable Spanner
Next is the adjustable spanner, more commonly known in the United States as the crescent wrench. Its invention was originally attributed to an Englishman in 1842, but the modern design was invented by a Swedish man named Johan Petter Johansson. This wrench has gone through several iterations but the “skiftnyckel,” as the Swedes call it, has maintained its particular design featuring a moveable jaw controlled by a nut or a bolt.
The Walker
Third, the walker was invented by a Swedish woman named Aina Wifalk. In her 20s, Wifalk contracted Polio which left her struggling to walk. In 1978, Wifalk displayed her first example of what would later become a walker which included a stronger frame, a seat and larger wheels. She invented the walker so that others like her would be able to move around more freely. On top of that, she refused to patent the design so that it would remain inexpensive for those who needed it.
To learn more about Sweden’s contribution to the modern world, take some time to search the internet for more inventions. Take note, in particular, of the zipper and the safety match (the matches we use today).
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