What was Leonardo da Vinci’s proposed self-propelled vehicle commonly called?

Leonardo da Vinci’s proposed self-propelled vehicle is commonly called the self-propelled cart.

Leonardo drew the cart in the late 15th century, probably around 1478 to 1480. Two large springs stored energy, while a system of gears and wooden components transferred that energy to the wheels. Steering could be set in advance, allowing the cart to follow a predetermined route rather than being guided continuously by a driver.

The design is often described as an early programmable machine because pegs on the wheels could control the vehicle’s path. It was likely intended for theatrical displays or court entertainment, not transportation over public roads.

The cart is sometimes incorrectly presented as a modern automobile. It had no engine, fuel system, or independent steering. In 2006, a team at the Museo Galileo in Florence constructed a working model, confirming that the basic mechanism could operate when built at suitable scale.