‘Greatest inventions of all time revealed' as survey puts the internet, penicillin and TV on the list
A poll of 2,000 adults saw electric power generation, which Thomas Edison is widely credited as inventing, come top.
2
Sir Tim Berners-Lee's 1990 creation - the internet came second, followed in third spot by penicillin, which Sir Alexander Fleming discovered in 1928.
More recent inventions such as the smartphone, GPS, and the 3D printer all made the top 40 but there was no place for sliced bread.
Commissioned to mark the launch of the new non-disposable Vuse Ultra vape, which includes smart features and is made from high-grade aluminium, the research found 56 per cent would struggle any longer than a day without using technology.
And on average they spend six and a half hours glued to their device daily , with 12 per cent doing so for 12 hours or more.
A spokesperson said: 'It's clear Brits are embracing technology that makes their lives better in one way or another – with all of these small improvements adding up to a big difference in their day-to-day life.'
The research also found that other popular inventions include home appliances such as the television, the refrigerator, the washing machine, the microwave, and the vacuum.
Transport methods such as the airplane, the car, the steam engine, and the bicycle also secured lots of votes.
While vaccinations and the defibrillator joined penicillin in representing the world of medicine, with energy sources such as the battery and solar panels well-liked.
The study also found the typical adult spends £1,013 a year on new tech, with those aged 25 to 34 spending the most - £2,121.
According to 54 per cent, the best thing about modern gadgets is how they make life easier, while 34 per cent appreciate how some tech helps keep them connected to loved ones.
Watch Tesla test self-driving cars on London streets & Swindon's 'Magic Roundabout'
It also emerged 21 per cent believe they have the potential to develop a 'good' invention.
With possible inventions including 24/7 battery life in devices, a smart shoe which tracks steps, and a fridge on wheels.
Carried out through OnePoll, the research for Vuse Ultra, which is available in stores nationwide and includes features such as 'Flavour Autotune' and 'CloudControl' and syncs with the MyVuse app, also identified the tech we expect to exist by 2050 with robots or androids as household helpers coming top (30 per cent).
Implantable health monitors (29 per cent) and AI personal assistants (28 per cent) completed the top three.
Further predictions include universal translators to enable seamless communication (22 per cent), virtual reality holidays and experiences (17 per cent), and self-cleaning homes (15 per cent)
1. Electric power generation
2. The internet
3. Penicillin
4. Vaccinations
5. Television
6. Airplane
7. Telephone
8. Computer
9. The wheel
10 Light bulb
11. The car
12. Smartphone
13. Refrigerator
14. Defibrillator
15. Radio
16. Steam engine
17. Camera
18. Washing machine
19. Satellites
20. Battery
21. Internet browser (e.g. Google, Safari etc.)
22. Printing press
23. Electric motors (e.g. in fans, cars, power tools etc.)
24. GPS (Global Positioning System)
25. Solar panels
26. AI
27. Compass
28. Microwave
29. Air conditioning
30. Contactless payment
31. Bicycle
32. Helicopter
33. Telescope
34. Vacuum
35. ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
36. Smartwatch
37. Sewing machine
38. Electric kettle
39. 3D printer
40. Drones
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