Crompton & Knowles Power Loom, 1926

Power looms, introduced in American textile mills in the 1810s, completely mechanized the weaving process. This 1926 example was originally used at Ford Motor Company's Highland Park assembly plant to produce prototype seating upholstery for Model Ts. Driven by electricity and using up to six flying shuttles, which carry the thread, it can weave complex fabrics at about 25 feet per hour.