An automated braiding machine for applying a braided cover to an elongate structure includes a barrel through which the elongate structure passes and a bobbin orbiting assembly configured to orbit a plurality of bobbins around the barrel. Each of the bobbins unwinds a corresponding thread having a portion extending between a rim of the barrel and the elongate structure. A first robotic arm assembly is configured to pull the elongate structure in a longitudinal direction thereof. A speed at which the elongate structure is pulled in the longitudinal direction thereof is dependent on a measured angle of one of the portions of the thread relative to a plane defined by the rim of the barrel.

An apparatus for manipulating a material is provided. The apparatus may comprise a magnetic device arranged in a three-dimensional configuration. The apparatus may comprise a surface on which at least one carrier is configured to move. The magnetic device may be configured to provide a magnetic field for driving the carrier on the surface to manipulate a material. The apparatus may comprise a controller configured to control the magnetic device to modulate the magnetic field. The controller may be further configured to detect a position and/or motion of the carrier.

A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.

A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.

A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.

A braiding machine comprising a support structure, a track, an enclosure, a plurality of rotor metals, and a passageway having a first opening and a second opening, and a method of forming an upper using a braiding machine, the method comprising braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point of the braiding machine. The braiding machine is capable of forming intricate braided structures and may include different sized rings and non-linear passageways through which a forming last passes. Multiple forming lasts may be attached together by connection mechanisms and passed through the braiding machine.

An apparatus for manipulating a material is provided. The apparatus may comprise a magnetic device arranged in a three-dimensional configuration. The apparatus may comprise a surface on which at least one carrier is configured to move. The magnetic device may be configured to provide a magnetic field for driving the carrier on the surface to manipulate a material. The apparatus may comprise a controller configured to control the magnetic device to modulate the magnetic field. The controller may be further configured to detect a position and/or motion of the carrier.

An apparatus for manipulating a material is provided. The apparatus may comprise one or more stator coils arranged in a three-dimensional configuration, and a surface on which at least one carrier is configured to move. The stator coils of the apparatus may be configured to generate an electromagnetic field for driving the carrier on the surface to manipulate a material.

There is disclosed an apparatus for winding filaments to form a structure. The apparatus includes a carrier which mounts spools of fiber, a mandrel, and a guide element which directs fiber tows, comprising filaments from the spools, onto the mandrel. The system further includes a heating element which applies heat to the fiber tows, and a diaphragm element which defines an orifice about the mandrel. The diaphragm element includes one or more displaceable portions which define a physical dimension of the orifice and which: displace to vary the physical dimension of the orifice; and apply a predetermined pressure to the fiber tows disposed on the mandrel. Also disclosed and described is a related method.

A method of producing a component for an article of footwear or apparel or a sporting goods accessory. The method of producing a component includes forming at least a first layer by braiding a first braided tube. Braiding may be performed with an empty braiding center. The method further includes arranging the first layer on a form.