What did Wooden Ox and Gliding Horse look like?

A four-wheeled or single-wheeled cart resembling an ox or horse, with a linkage mechanism to control the center of gravity. Its exact form is disputed.

How did Wooden Ox and Gliding Horse work?

Lever and linkage systems adjust the center of gravity. Self-locking mechanisms prevent the cart from sliding backward when stopped on slopes.

← DiscoveriesA-Tier · Major Innovation

木牛流马

Wooden Ox and Gliding Horse

A mountain transport machine using linkages and self-locking mechanisms to achieve labor-saving transport, capable of carrying several hundred jin over the treacherous Shu roads.

木牛流马

Scientific Principle

Linkage mechanism + self-locking principle: uses friction and geometric relationships of the mechanism to achieve parking on inclined surfaces.