A Jacquard loom is a type of weaving machine that simplifies the process of creating complex patterns in textiles. Invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1804, it uses a series of punched cards to control the movement of individual threads, allowing for intricate designs to be woven automatically. This innovation revolutionized the textile industry by increasing production efficiency and enabling the mass production of patterned fabrics. The Jacquard loom laid the groundwork for modern computing, as the concept of using punched cards for programming was later adopted in early computers.