During the 67 years he spent on earth, Leonardo Da Vinci made many contributions to art, science, and technology. Most people remember him for famous works like the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper. However, a few of Leonardo’s inventions are not as well known. Here are the top 9 lesser-known inventions by Leonardo Da Vinci.

1. Ornithopter (A Flying Machine)

Throughout history, mankind has always wondered about flight, and Leonardo Da Vinci was no exception. He started researching flight in the 1480s and, around 1486, sketched a flying machine called the Ornithopter. The design drew inspiration from the shapes of kites and flying birds. An early idea for a flying machine, the Ornithopter, was never built (it only existed as a drawing), but it helped to inspire ideas that eventually led to aircraft.

2. Diving Suit

Leonardo Da Vinci created a breathing suit, allowing humans to dive and breathe underwater. It also included a leather jacket, mask and goggles, tool-carrying pockets, and a horn to signal other divers. A version of his suit was never built during his time, but he designed it originally.

3. A Battle Tank

Leonardo Da Vinci devised plans for a battle tank consisting of metal plates and holes to poke guns through, which he designed in 1487. A sketch of a human-powered tank design (the idea was passed to the Duke of Milan) was made, but it was never built.

4. Leonardo’s Robot

In 1495, Leonardo Da Vinci created a design for humanoid automation in a sitting position resembling a knight. The mechanisms that allowed it to move were ropes, pulleys, and cranks, all housed within the armour. In 2002, a robot created a replica.

5. The Parachute

Although he didn’t build the parachute himself, Leonardo is credited with its design, which was proven to work in 2000 based on his sketches. It consisted of a pyramid made of linen and wood.

6. Self-Propelled Cart

Leonardo’s self-driving cart featured a single front wheel and four back wheels powered by a spring mechanism.

7. The Blender

Da Vinci’s hand-powered blender design was never constructed due to mathematical errors in his calculations.

8. Pot Lid

Leonardo’s metal cooking pot lid design preserved food flavours better and was more durable than fabric covers.

9. The Corkscrew

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the corkscrew to help preserve wine, a drink he enjoyed. Early corkscrews were designed for left-handed users, reflecting Leonardo’s left-handedness. However, the first patent for a corkscrew was awarded to Reverend Samuel Henshall in 1795.