This is how far robots have come since the 1930s

A volcanologist's job entails scoping active volcanoes. Sometimes, these excursions can lead to accidents, injuries and even fatalities.

Dante II eliminated the need for humans to venture into these dangerous regions. Instead, the robot rappelled down craters and analyzed gases at the crater floor.

"In 1993, eight volcanologists were killed in two separate events while sampling and monitoring volcanoes. The use of robotic explorers, such as Dante II, opens a new era in field techniques by enabling scientists to remotely conduct research and exploration," the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute wrote about its project.