Robert William Thomson was a Scottish inventor born in 1822, best known for inventing the first practical pneumatic tire. His innovation significantly improved the comfort and performance of vehicles, paving the way for modern transportation. Thomson's design was patented in 1845, but it took several decades for the concept to gain widespread acceptance. In addition to the pneumatic tire, Thomson contributed to various fields, including the development of the gas mask and improvements in railway technology. His work laid the groundwork for future advancements in automotive engineering and influenced many inventors who followed in his footsteps.