On this day: June 5

Man Survives After Metal Rod Pierces Torso in 2007 Accident

On June 5, 2007, a man was impaled through the torso by a metal rod in an industrial accident; he was reported to have survived after emergency responders stabilized him and transported him for surgery.

First Electric Traffic Light Malfunctions, Paralyzes Cleveland Intersection

On June 5, 1914, Cleveland’s newly installed electric traffic signal failed during rush hour, causing confusion among motorists, streetcar operators, and pedestrians and prompting a quick return to manual traffic control.

First Public Demonstration of a Humanoid Robot, June 5, 1973

On June 5, 1973, a humanoid robot was presented publicly for the first time, marking an early milestone in robotics by showing a machine designed to resemble and perform human-like motions before a general audience.

Patent for the First Practical Electric Guitar Granted, June 5, 1937

On June 5, 1937, inventor and musician George Beauchamp (with colleagues) was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,089,171 for an electrically amplified stringed instrument—commonly regarded as the first practical electric guitar—marking a turning point in musical amplification.

A contested milestone: June 5, 1954, and the claim of rock and roll’s first public performance

On June 5, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, a performance tied to DJ Alan Freed is often cited in accounts of rock and roll’s birth—though historians debate whether any single date or event can legitimately be called the first public rock and roll performance.