On this day: 1st item with barcode was scanned 50 years ago

On June 26, 1974, a pack of chewing gum became the first item to be scanned with a Universal Product Code at US supermarket. It was created by a team led by American engineer George Laurer at the request of the grocery industry. Its origin is traced back to Joe Woodland, who was inspired by Morse Code-like lines in sand.