A Glimpse into the Future: Autonomous Cars Captivate Students in Kismaros

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On November 22, the scenic town of Kismaros in the Börzsöny Hills became the backdrop for an inspiring event where the students of ELTE Radnóti Miklós High School’s physics faculty delved into the world of autonomous vehicles. The star guest of the day was Dr. Zsolt Szalay, head of the Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), who delivered a captivating lecture titled “The Present and Future of Autonomous Driving – Where is Mobility Heading?” For the 17-19-year-old students, it was more than just a talk—it was a journey into the technology of tomorrow.

Today’s Curious Minds, Tomorrow’s Engineers

The students, standing at the crossroads of career choices, were introduced to the exciting challenges and limitless opportunities of the world of innovation. Dr. Szalay not only highlighted the cutting-edge research conducted at his department but also unraveled the secrets of autonomous vehicles, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among the audience.

Five Levels Transforming the World

One of the most fascinating parts of the presentation was the explanation of the five levels of autonomous driving. Where did it all begin, and where are we heading? With vivid examples and engaging visuals, Dr. Szalay illustrated the journey from basic driver assistance systems to full autonomy.

“Technology not only enhances comfort and efficiency but fundamentally redefines our concept of mobility,” he emphasized, leaving the students captivated by the possibilities of human-machine collaboration in the future.

Test Tracks and Digital Twins

The audience was also introduced to the groundbreaking research conducted at the ZalaZONE Proving Ground. How can real and virtual testing environments be combined? Why are digital twins so crucial? These questions highlighted not only the precision of engineering but also the importance of safety in the future of transportation.

Could This Be Your Path?

One of the lecture’s most powerful messages was the boundless potential in the worlds of science and technology. Dr. Szalay encouraged the students: “Be the engineers of the future!” Perhaps, for some of the young attendees, this day served as the spark that ignited their passion for innovation and set them on a lifelong career path.

More Than Just a Lecture

The students weren’t just passive listeners; they engaged actively, asking questions like: Why does it take so long to introduce autonomous technologies? How are vehicles tested? What skills are essential to becoming an engineer? These interactive discussions showcased the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity—the perfect foundation for building the future of innovation.

An Inspiring Event

Dr. Zsolt Szalay’s lecture not only motivated the students but also provided a platform to showcase the activities of the BME Department of Automotive Technologies. The event was both educational and inspiring, strengthening the collaboration between the high school and the university.

The future of mobility might still seem like a distant dream, but events like this prove that the greatest journeys begin with a single step. At the camp in Kismaros, that step was taken—perhaps in the life of a future engineer.

Former Student Inspires Future Innovators: Szilárd Hunor Tóth Returns to Bolyai High School

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Szilárd Hunor Tóth, a PhD candidate at the Department of Automotive Technologies, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), recently revisited his alma mater, Bolyai János High School in Salgótarján, to inspire the next generation of students. On November 13, as part of the University Research Scholarship Program (EKÖP), Szilárd gave a career orientation and science promotion lecture to high school students, encouraging them to pursue ambitious academic and research goals.

His presentation, titled “AI Applications for Autonomous Vehicle Control”, offered an engaging glimpse into the fascinating field of autonomous vehicles. Szilárd’s research focuses on Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Vehicle Control, a cutting-edge topic with exciting potential for the future of mobility.

Key Topics Covered in the Lecture:

  • What are autonomous vehicles?
  • Levels of vehicle autonomy and how they operate – how do self-driving cars make decisions?
  • Benefits of autonomous vehicles – enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Drifting and reinforcement learning – why is it important for a car to “teach itself” how to drift?
  • Where to study if you want to develop autonomous cars?

Szilárd aimed to motivate the students to dream big and to consider research as a viable and exciting career path. “The university provides a strong foundation, and the door to research is open to anyone with the passion to pursue it,” he emphasized.

As an alumnus of Bolyai High School, Szilárd also used his own journey to show students what is possible. From graduating high school to becoming an active member of BME’s research community, he offered a relatable example of how the seeds of a successful research career can be planted early.

The students showed great interest during and after the lecture, asking insightful questions about the challenges and opportunities in the field. Szilárd highlighted the importance of not only technical skills but also creativity and teamwork in developing autonomous vehicles, making it a highly diverse and rewarding area of study and work.

A Role Model for Aspiring Innovators

Visits like this are invaluable, not only for promoting science but also for strengthening the bond between schools and their alumni. Szilárd Hunor Tóth’s lecture will undoubtedly inspire many talented students to pursue ambitious goals, perhaps even exploring the world of research and innovation.

The Department of Automotive Technologies at BME remains committed to sharing the knowledge and achievements of its researchers and students, inspiring the next generation to dream and achieve great things.

ThyssenKrupp Presta AG: An Inspiring Guest Lecture on Alternative Steering Functions

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The Department of Automotive Technologies was delighted to welcome Leonárd Lapis, representing ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, for a lecture on Alternative Steering Functions. The event was part of the Automated Driving Systems AVCE program, enriching our students’ knowledge of modern alternative steering solutions.

Leonárd traveled from Liechtenstein and shared his expertise with our students and faculty for the second time. His lecture provided insights into the future of automotive innovations and demonstrated the technological advancements shaping the next generation of steering systems.

Leonárd’s supervisor, Dr. Kristof Polmans, Senior Vice President of ThyssenKrupp Steering, has also been a guest speaker at our department, further strengthening the collaboration between our university and ThyssenKrupp.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Ádám Bárdos, Head of the Vehicle Dynamics and Control Research Group, whose outstanding efforts were instrumental in organizing this event. Such collaborations are crucial in bridging the gap between industrial innovation and academic education.

Events like these are of great importance as they allow students to complement their theoretical knowledge with practical insights. We are grateful to Leonárd for dedicating his time and enriching the academic life of our department!