John Boyd Dunlop was a Scottish inventor and veterinary surgeon, best known for inventing the modern pneumatic tire in 1887. His innovation significantly improved the comfort and performance of bicycles, leading to a revolution in transportation. Dunlop's design featured an inflatable rubber tire, which provided better shock absorption and traction compared to solid tires. Dunlop's invention laid the groundwork for the development of tires used in automobiles and other vehicles. His company, Dunlop Rubber Company, became a major player in the tire industry, contributing to advancements in tire technology and manufacturing processes that are still relevant today.