Who invented the induction motor, first demonstrated publicly in 1888?

Nikola Tesla invented the induction motor, which he demonstrated publicly in 1888.

Tesla developed an alternating-current motor that used a rotating magnetic field instead of brushes and a commutator. The rotating field induced current in the rotor, causing it to turn. This design was simpler and more durable than many earlier motor systems because the rotor did not need a direct electrical connection.

Tesla filed key patents for his alternating-current motor system in 1887 and 1888. George Westinghouse acquired rights to the patents and helped develop AC power for commercial use. Tesla demonstrated his motor and related AC inventions at the American Institute of Electrical Engineers in New York in May 1888.

The induction motor became central to industrial machinery, pumps, fans, appliances, and later transport systems. It is often confused with the broader AC power system. Tesla did not invent alternating current itself; Michael Faraday and other scientists had already established important principles of electromagnetism.