Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. He made groundbreaking work on wireless communication and energy transfer, held over 300 patents, and invented devices that significantly influenced the electrical and scientific industries. Tesla's vision and eccentric personality have made him a cult figure in the history of science and technology.