Bridging the “Valley of Death”: Dr. Zsolt Szalay on the Role of the State in Driving Innovation
In a recent article on Index.hu, Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME, shared insights on the importance of bridging the “Valley of Death” to support the success of startups. This figurative gap represents the funding challenges young, innovative companies face. Dr. Szalay emphasized the state’s role in establishing financial instruments like convertible loans and in supporting mentor programs to guide budding entrepreneurs through market hurdles.
Drawing on his extensive academic and industrial experience, Dr. Szalay highlighted that venture capital should contribute not just funding but also valuable connections and professional guidance. He cited the role of universities in connecting research outcomes with market needs, referencing the MIT model, which emphasizes close collaboration between academia, capital, and industry.
While the state must play a foundational role in regulating and supporting the innovation ecosystem, Dr. Szalay believes that sustainable growth lies in market-driven solutions. Universities can help validate and showcase promising prototypes, but venture capital’s task is to invest in projects with demonstrable potential. Ensuring that start-ups have access to professional guidance and capital at critical stages is essential for transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.
Vehicle Safety and Security Research Group Showcases Innovative Test Framework at Cognitive Mobility 2024 Conference
The Vehicle Safety and Security Research Group from the Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics recently participated in the Cognitive Mobility 2024 Conference, held at the Bosch Budapest Innovation Campus. The team presented their newly developed test framework, which highlights a breakthrough approach to safe driving operations.
During the presentation, the research group demonstrated how, in situations where conventional environmental sensors fail to provide the necessary information for safe driving, radio communication technologies can offer a reliable alternative. They showcased a scenario where even with degraded radio communication quality, their innovative control concept enabled the system to maintain safe driving operations by adapting to the communication parameters.
This test framework represents a significant advancement in vehicle safety technology, illustrating the potential of radio communication as a complementary solution to traditional sensors. The group’s work not only addresses current challenges in autonomous driving but also opens new possibilities for the development of more resilient and adaptable vehicle safety systems.
The Department of Automotive Technologies is proud of the team’s achievements and their ongoing contribution to the advancement of intelligent mobility solutions.
Innovation in Focus: Dr. Kristof Polmans’ Inspiring Lecture at the Department of Automotive Technologies
The Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics recently had the privilege of hosting Dr. Kristof Polmans, Senior Vice President of Research and Advanced Engineering at ThyssenKrupp Steering. Invited by the department, Dr. Polmans delivered an inspiring lecture on ThyssenKrupp Steering’s innovation journey, sharing his vast expertise with students and faculty.
With over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Dr. Polmans began his career at Ford Motor Company and has spent nearly two decades at ThyssenKrupp, where he has been at the forefront of developing advanced technologies and driving innovation. His lecture provided a deep dive into how ThyssenKrupp Steering evolved from a “slow follower” to a true leader in innovation within the industry.
Dr. Polmans highlighted key projects that have played a pivotal role in ThyssenKrupp’s transformation, including Steer by Wire, Brake by Wire systems, and Vehicle Motion Control. These advancements have significantly shaped the company’s path toward becoming a leader in automotive technology.
Beyond the technical achievements, Dr. Polmans also emphasized the importance of leadership and individual contributions in achieving a company’s success. He discussed what distinguishes a leader from a boss, the qualities that define a good leader and a great employee, effective communication strategies, and the key elements of building a high-performing team.
The students in attendance gained valuable first-hand insights into the professional and human principles that guide the development of a leading automotive company. The event offered a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the industry’s top innovators, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry applications.
This lecture was part of the department’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong collaborations between its research community and industry partners, reinforcing the link between academia and the automotive sector.
A special thanks to Ádám Bárdos, Head of the Vehicle Dynamics and Control Research Group, for his instrumental role in organizing this event. His efforts were crucial in making this lecture a reality, highlighting the importance of collaboration in bringing valuable industry insights to the academic community.
Technological Breakthrough or Disappointment? Dr. Zsolt SZALAY’s Presentation at the XIII Regional Automotive Supplier Conference
On October 1st, the XIII Regional Automotive Supplier Conference, one of the largest annual events in the industry, was held at the Aquaworld Resort in Budapest, bringing together more than 270 automotive leaders and experts. Among the high-ranking representatives of the industry’s key players was Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME, who delivered a compelling presentation. His speech clearly outlined the technological advancements in autonomous vehicles and the complex challenges facing future transportation systems. According to participant feedback, Dr. Szalay’s presentation received top ratings, making it the most successful and popular program of the conference.
Bridging the Gap Between Expectations and Reality
Dr. Zsolt SZALAY began his speech by recalling a 2007 meeting with the European Commission, where the potential of autonomous vehicles was met with skepticism. Since then, industry expectations have shifted significantly: in 2017, many predicted that driving licenses would soon become obsolete. However, in 2024, autonomous vehicles have yet to make a significant appearance on public roads. Dr. Zsolt SZALAY pointed out that beyond technological progress, regulatory and societal challenges also hinder the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles.
Levels of Autonomous Vehicles: Where Do We Stand Now?
Dr. Zsolt SZALAY evaluated the development of autonomous vehicles using the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards, presenting the six levels of automation ranging from zero to full autonomy. He described the current state of technological progress as being in the “disillusionment phase,” where initial hype has given way to the realization that the technology and regulatory environment are not yet ready for widespread implementation.
Software Takes Center Stage: The Future is Software-Defined Vehicles
Dr. Zsolt SZALAY highlighted that over 90% of modern vehicle functions are now software-based. The competition among automakers and tech giants is centered on Software-Defined Vehicles, which are not just technological devices but comprehensive mobility systems. “The vehicles of the future will no longer be simple mechanical structures but integrated software systems,” stated Dr. Szalay.
Social and Legal Challenges of Autonomous Vehicles
One of the biggest challenges of autonomous transportation is addressing insurance issues. According to Dr. Szalay, liability in autonomous vehicles will shift from individual drivers to manufacturers, potentially transforming the insurance market. He also emphasized that while autonomous vehicles may reduce the number of road accidents, they could also create new types of accident scenarios that human drivers would handle differently.
Innovation Through University and Industry Collaboration
In closing his presentation, Dr. Zsolt SZALAY stressed the importance of close collaboration between university research and industrial innovation. BME aims to integrate its world-class research results directly into education and make them valuable to the industry. He highlighted the spin-off companies established by their department, such as DriveByCloud and iMotionDrive, which offer groundbreaking solutions in autonomous transportation and vehicle control.
The Road to Autonomous Vehicles: A Long Path Ahead
Dr. Zsolt SZALAY provided a realistic outlook on the future of autonomous transportation: “The technology, regulatory frameworks, and societal acceptance still face challenges, but by the end of the decade, we may see partially self-driving vehicles on highways.” His presentation emphasized that while the rollout of autonomous vehicles is slower than expected, continuous research, development, and innovation are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and safer transportation future.
During the event, the BME Formula Racing Team showcased their race car, designed by students from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and built for the Formula Student international competition. The team competes in both electric and autonomous categories, demonstrating outstanding performance in the latest technologies.
The Formula Student series sees nearly 600 university teams from around the world compete annually with cars they design and build. Hungary’s first Formula Student team, the BME FRT, has been a key player in this competition for years. Their goal is to continuously enhance their race car designs with innovative solutions, thereby contributing to the advancement of future mobility technologies. The team members, who study various engineering and economic disciplines, gain valuable practical experience through the project.
The research presented was funded by the European Union under the National Laboratory for Autonomous Systems (RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00002)
