What invention did Leonardo da Vinci design as a vehicle capable of moving without horses?

Leonardo da Vinci designed a self-propelled cart as a vehicle capable of moving without horses.

The cart, sketched around 1478–1480, used coiled springs to store mechanical energy. When released, the springs turned the cart’s wheels through a system of gears. A steering mechanism could be set in advance, allowing the vehicle to follow a predetermined path rather than being continuously guided by a driver.

The design is often described as an early automobile, but it was not powered by an engine or intended for open-road travel. Its likely uses included theatrical effects, court entertainments, or ceremonial appearances. Leonardo’s drawings did not explain every detail, so modern reconstructions have tested different interpretations of the mechanism.

The cart is sometimes confused with Leonardo’s later mechanical lion, which was a separate courtly automaton. It also differs from a modern remote-controlled vehicle: its route was mechanically programmed before movement. The design illustrates Leonardo’s interest in combining springs, gears, steering, and compact mechanical power.