The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency that records technological developments, creates industry standards, and promotes technology enterprises to benefit the US economy and citizens. Founded in 1901, it sets national standards for measurements and quality control measures, while also researching and developing new technologies through its programs. NIST has achieved many technological advancements, including improvements in radio transmission, color photography of solar eclipses, and the creation of the first digital computer.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency operating out of the United States Department of Commerce. Founded in 1901, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is charged with recording all technological developments, creating industry standards for technology-related issues, and promoting the invention and improvement of technology enterprises. The stated goal of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is the promotion of scientific and technological development that will benefit the US economy and the standard of living of citizens.
NIST was founded by a government charter, officially created by Congress on March 3, 1901 under President Theodore Roosevelt. Despite the boom in technology since the Industrial Revolution, the country still lacked an official set of technology standards governing quality control, standardized measurements, or other factors important in creating products nationwide. The new organization made it possible to incorporate technological and manufacturing developments by thinking of the whole country, rather than just a localized area.
In essence, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is a laboratory of measurement standards. This type of organization is responsible for setting national standards for units of measurement, calibrations, and quality control measures. One of NIST’s main provinces is the creation of extensive reference manuals for applicable standards provided to government agencies, universities, and other organizations.
In addition to regulating standards, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has a vested interest in researching, supporting, and developing new technologies. It operates four major programs: the Technology Innovation Program, the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Program, the NIST Laboratory, and the Baldridge National Quality Program. Each program has a specific interest related to NIST’s overall mission, including the recognition of excellence in technology and manufacturing practices, the development of infrastructure technologies, grants and cost sharing for universities and private research organizations, and assistance programs for small production and technology companies.
Some of the achievements of this revered institution include improvements in radio transmission in the 1920s, some of the first color photographs of solar eclipses, and the first atomic clock. The organization pioneered the first reading machine, one of the forerunners of optical scanners, and created the nation’s first digital computer. One of Apollo 11’s many operations included implanting a powerful laser that emitted pulses to Earth, allowing NIST scientists to more accurately determine the distance between Earth and the moon. In the modern era, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has been heavily involved in environmental and renewable energy research, as well as overseeing the upgrade of US infrastructure to bring it up to 21st century standards.
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