Pneumatics is the use of compressed air to power machinery. It involves the movement of air under pressure and dates back to the 17th century when a German scientist invented the first air pump. Some key pneumatic inventions include the first air pump in 1650, the pneumatic subway in New York in 1870, and the pneumatic tire in 1888. Today, pneumatics is used in jet engines, machinery, and can be found in everyday items like tires, air brakes, and air tools.