The QR code was invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara, an engineer at Denso. Designed to track automotive parts, the code could store far more data than barcodes and be scanned from any angle. Crucially, Hara and his company never patented the QR code for profit, allowing it to be used freely worldwide. Decades later, QR codes power payments, tickets, menus, logistics, and digital identity systems across the globe. Important Details: • Invented in 1994 in Japan • Designed for fast, multi-angle scann