an automated tape head assembly for a multiple axis tape laying machine includes a tape supply reel and a tape compaction roller . tape from the supply reel passes through the space between the two independent structures of the supply reel and compaction roller defining a tape path that substantially maintains a zero gaussian curvature of the tape . the tape path is a curved path referred to as a compliance loop that results from a substantially or partially unrestrained curved path between the supply reel and the compaction roller . this structure allows the compaction roller to shift laterally and vertically with respect to the supply reel while the supply reel is in a fixed position with respect to the tape head assembly generally . this structure also allows the compaction roller to roll , steer , and follow the fiber tape &# 39 ; s natural path , all with significant independence from the supply reel .