On this day: May 30

First Electric Vacuum Cleaner Hits the Market, 1908

On May 30, 1908 an early electric vacuum cleaner was offered commercially, marking a shift from manual and horse‑powered carpet sweepers to electrically driven household cleaning devices.

First Modern Motorcycle Race Held in Paris, 1896

On 30 May 1896 a motorized bicycle race near Paris is widely regarded as the first modern motorcycle race, pitting early internal-combustion machines against each other in a public competition that helped define the new sport and technology.

First successful cochlear implant test performed

On May 30, 1961, surgeons reported the first successful experimental test of a cochlear implant—an early step toward restoring hearing by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve. The procedure marked a pivotal moment in auditory prosthetics research.

NBC’s Early Television Service Goes Coast-to-Coast

On May 30, 1940, NBC completed the first nationwide expansion of a commercial television network in the United States, linking stations and expanding regular scheduled broadcasts beyond a single city footprint.

The First Modern Video Game Tournament, May 30, 1972

On May 30, 1972, students at Stanford held what is widely recognized as the first modern video game tournament, playing the early computer game Spacewar! in a competitive format that presaged later esports events.