Zhuge Liang is credited with improving the design of the repeating crossbow (Chuko-nu), making it a more effective weapon for massed infantry. While the crossbow itself existed before Zhuge Liang, he enhanced its design to fire multiple bolts rapidly.

To address the logistical challenges of supplying his army during the Northern Expeditions, Zhuge Liang is said to have invented the 'wooden ox' and 'flowing horse,' sophisticated wheeled vehicles designed to transport large quantities of supplies across difficult terrain. Their precise design remains a mystery, but they likely involved lever-based mechanisms.

According to the legend, when Zhuge Liang crossed the river after pacifying the Nanman, he encountered dangerous rapids and the locals suggested sacrificing human heads to appease the river god. Zhuge Liang couldn't bear the idea of human sacrifice and ordered his men to make dumplings resembling human heads, which he offered to the river. These dumplings were later called 'mantou'.

While not land mines as we understand them today, Zhuge Liang is attributed with devising early forms of explosive traps. These may have involved concealed mechanisms that triggered explosions when enemy soldiers stepped on them. These were mainly used for defense.

While the precise origins are debated, Zhuge Liang is often associated with the creation of Kongming lanterns (sky lanterns). Legend says they were used to signal for help or relay messages during military campaigns. However, other historical sources suggest sky lanterns existed before his time.