This paper investigates the warp let-off and take-up mechanism of rapier looms in order to solve the problem that the warp tension of rapier looms fluctuates greatly and the warp let-off is difficult to maintain constant. The design and hardware implementation of a let-off and take-up control system based on fuzzy neural network (FNN) and vector control (VC) are presented to improve the control level of warp tension and drive performance of the let-off and take-up system. Firstly, the spring-damper dynamic model of the warp is established according to the mechanical properties of the warp. The parametric expression of warp tension and the control strategy of fixed angle interval based on let-off and take-up motions are constructed according to the generation mechanism and fluctuation law of warp tension. Then, on the basis of fuzzy reasoning mechanism and neural network model, the fusion theory of fuzzy neural network is introduced, and a tension controller based on T-S fuzzy neural network (FNN) is designed. FNN is trained by introducing genetic optimization and the backpropagation fusion algorithm (GA-BP). In addition, a specialized let-off and take-up hardware circuit is constructed through embedded technology, and the SVPWM algorithm is used as the driving scheme of the hardware circuit. Finally, simulation and actual weaving experiments test the proposed let-off and take-up control system and hardware circuit. The results show that, when compared to PID and fuzzy PID, the proposed fuzzy neural network algorithm has higher tension control accuracy and can effectively restrain the rapier loom's warp tension undulation. The designed hardware circuit and SVPWM algorithm have the fast and stable driving ability, which ensures the constant let-off amount.INDEX TERMS Rapier loom, tension control, vector control, fuzzy neural network, genetic algorithm.