Pneumatic systems compress air or some other gas in order to increase the pressure it exerts. This high pressure gas is then used to make machine parts move. In the late 19th century, only wealthy industrialists used pneumatic systems, as only they had the massive steam engines necessary to run the compression systems of the time. However, in the early part of the 20th century, smaller and more efficient motors ensured the widespread industrial usage of pneumatic systems. Even though they have become less widespread since the latter half of the 20th century, they are still a staple feature of many businesses.