Innovation Tank hero

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.

02 / On the move

The vehicle in demonstration.