The famous drawing that presents the
Self-Propelling Cart is actually a complex system for
an automaton that can move by itself, used to
create a theatrical stage effect. The system is
spring-propelled; the leaf springs are auxiliary systems and the
small pegged wheels at the bottom represent the
escapement system. The details drawn around the central
figure are studies on the braking and anchoring
systems of the auxiliary parts. Despite the many interpretations of
this machine made by Leonardo scholars throughout
the 20th century, a definitive solution for the design
has yet to be reached. That proposed in the 2004
interpretation (by Taddei and Zanon in collaboration with
the Institute and Museum of the History of Science
in Florence) concluded with the
theory that this design is a self-propelling cart used for theatrical stage effects
and not a means for transporting people or
things.
Machines
Self-Propelling Cart
Codex Atlanticus, folio 812r (1478-1480)