Nicolaus Otto

Profession: Engineer

Biography: Nicolaus August Otto invented the compressed charge internal combustion engine, which paved the way for the modern automobile engine.

Otto began his career as a salesman but had a keen interest in science and technology. In 1861, he built his first four-stroke engine, and later partnered with Eugen Langen to establish NA Otto & Cie, the world's first company focused on internal combustion engines.

In 1876, Otto developed the four-stroke, compressed charge engine, known as the Otto Silent Engine. This engine operated on a four-stroke cycle, which became known as the Otto cycle. The Otto cycle consists of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust strokes, and is still used in modern engines.

Otto's engines were a great success, with over 50,000 produced in the 17 years following their introduction. He received numerous honors for his work, including a gold medal at the 1867 World Exhibition in Paris and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Würzburg.

Otto's invention laid the foundation for the development of the automobile. In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz built the first automobiles using liquid petroleum engines based on Otto's design. Today, the internal combustion engine powers hundreds of millions of vehicles worldwide.

Born: June 10, 1832
Birthplace: Holzhausen an der Haide, Germany
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: January 28, 1891 (aged 58)