What vehicle did Leonardo da Vinci design to move by itself without being pushed by animals?

Leonardo da Vinci designed a self-propelled cart powered by stored mechanical energy rather than animals.

The cart, usually dated to the late 15th century, used coiled springs to drive its wheels. Its steering could be programmed with wooden blocks, allowing the vehicle to follow a predetermined path. Because it moved without horses or people pushing it, the design is often described as an early ancestor of the automobile or robotic vehicle.

Leonardo probably intended the cart for theatrical performances and court spectacles rather than transport. The machine was compact enough to appear on a stage or in a ceremonial setting, where it could create the impression of moving by itself. It was not powered by an engine and could not travel long distances like a modern car.

The original drawing was incomplete in places, so reconstructions have tested different interpretations of its mechanism. A model built for the 2006 Florence exhibition demonstrated that the cart could operate when constructed according to Leonardo’s surviving plans.