The Jacquard loom is a type of weaving machine invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1804. It uses a series of punched cards to control the weaving of complex patterns in fabric. This innovation allowed for the automatic production of intricate designs, making textile manufacturing more efficient. The Jacquard loom laid the groundwork for modern computing by introducing the concept of programmable machines. The use of punched cards in the loom inspired later developments in computer technology, influencing pioneers like Charles Babbage and Herman Hollerith in their work on early computers.