Techy geek, Martin Cooper, invented the original mobile/cellular phone in 1973. He drew on inspiration from his technological breakthrough resulting from the iconic television series, “Star Trek.”

The “communicator” was a “tele-communication” device used for voice communication in the fictional universe of “Star Trek.” The communicator was seen in at least two instances in the original “Star Trek” series episodes, "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" and "Day of the Dove." The communicator also served as an emergency signaling device/beacon, similar to a transponder; DEEP, right? The communicator allowed direct, human, contact between individuals, via a ship's communication system.