
2019–2020
Innovation Tank
The Innovation Tank is a caterpillar single-rider vehicle developed at UCLA Innovation Lab from scratch. The caterpillar belts and all the joints were 3D-printable, and we re-used filament spools as wheels.
The tank employs 3 kW of motors with 40 Ah batteries, reaching a maximum of 15 mph for a duration of a few hours depending on drive conditions. It was tested on campus with a human driver, and we're now working on minor improvements.
We are planning new tank designs to drive on the beach or to climb stairs.
Research focus
- Caterpillar vehicle
- 3D-printed systems
- UCLA Innovation Lab
Project story
Images and demonstrations
9 media items
01 / Vehicle design
The printed belt system, wheels, frame, and powertrain.
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013D-printed belts
Documentation
02Filament-spool wheels
Documentation
03T-slotted aluminum frame
Documentation
04Power and motors
Documentation
05Innovation Tank detail
Documentation02 / On the move
The vehicle in demonstration.
Innovation Tank drive
FilmTank mechanism
FilmPublications & related research
Tank demonstration →