Rope making is one of the oldest manufacturing processes in the world - dating back to 17,000BC when people weaved vines by hand.

The patent for automating was issued in the 1800s and the process named after maypole dancers.

This is what one looks like today.

It looks complex but it follows simple rules - bobbins alternate directions, creating a weave automatically just from the track geometry.

•The faster it pulls through, the stronger along the length •The slower it pulls through, the stronger against crush

This is because the braid angle changes - shallow for axial load, steep for hoop load.

Same machine, same material, completely different structural properties.

Today it’s used for aerospace components, hydraulic hose, and braiding robotic hands.