The rise of robotics has transformed many industries in recent years.

Some of the earliest days of robotics date back to the 1960s. An inventor named George C. Devol created a machine to move heavy objects from one place to another. It looked very similar to the construction cranes we see now.

Today, robots and automated systems are much less rare — especially in the workplace, where they can increase productivity and safety while reducing costs.

The robotics revolution is expected to continue as new technologies develop and worker safety becomes a greater priority.

Here are four major ways robotics is improving workplace safety.