A weaving machine with drive elements including two or more crankshaft parts rotatable along the width direction of the machine and a common rotational center line. The drive elements are situated in intermediate sections and include respectively a lay sword and lay sword shaft and are connected to a connecting rod belonging to the intermediate section. The machine utilizes a computerized control system for controlling the weaving process. Substantial weight and space reductions are made as large, heavy shaft mountings and gearboxes can be avoided.