Hungarian Smart Road Becomes World Leader – Confirmed by BME’s Study Visit to China

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Three researchers from the Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) recently conducted a study visit to examine China’s most advanced intelligent transportation systems. Their key takeaway: the digital twin-based smart highway section on Hungary’s M1–M7 motorway exceeds the Chinese systems in both accuracy and latency. The solution developed at BME has implemented what is currently the most advanced smart road section in the world.

“The World’s Smartest Highway Section” – Hungarian Innovation Recognized in China

In July 2025, three researchers from BME – Dr. Zsolt Szalay (Head of Department), Dr. András Rövid, and Zsolt Vincze – embarked on an extensive study tour across China and Hong Kong. Their goal was to gain firsthand insights into the development of Chinese intelligent transport infrastructure and strengthen the ongoing collaboration between BME and the City University of Hong Kong.

One of the most important conclusions from the trip was that – although Chinese smart road networks cover far greater distances than Hungary’s demonstration section – the technological sophistication of the M1–M7 digital twin system, especially in terms of precision and real-time performance, surpassed all the systems observed in China.

Experts at multiple institutions in China openly acknowledged this and expressed their aim to reach the technological level already achieved in Hungary.

This feedback reinforces the fact that the M1–M7 smart road section, developed by BME, is not only a European but also a global benchmark in intelligent road infrastructure. It rightly deserves to be called: the world’s smartest highway section.

Hong Kong: Teleoperation Breakthroughs and International Innovation Programs

Invited by the City University of Hong Kong, the BME delegation reaffirmed an existing research collaboration. The teleoperation system used in Hong Kong is powered by technology developed at BME, and recent improvements have reduced response latency to below 10 milliseconds using a local server—an exceptionally low delay even by global standards.

The development experiences from Hungary’s M1–M7 smart road also attracted strong interest, and two new joint project proposals were outlined during the visit.

The CityU leadership—including Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Prof. Michael Yang and Prof. Johnny Ho—introduced the HKtech300 program, which supports research-driven technology startups with seed investments equivalent to approximately 100,000 EUR. The program is open to international partners, and future joint patent applications with BME are also on the agenda.

BYD, Tsinghua, CICV – China’s Technology Hubs

At the Shenzhen headquarters of BYD, Vice President Luo Zhongliang and the future director of the Hungarian plant confirmed that they are actively seeking MSc and PhD students for their Budapest R&D base and are open to launching a collaborative program proposed by BME.

At Beijing’s National Intelligent Connected Vehicle Innovation Center (CICV), experts responded positively to the technological solutions implemented on the M1–M7 section, stating that they are aiming to reach a similar level.

At Tsinghua University, Dr. Zsolt Szalay’s lecture attracted great interest, particularly in the topics of digital twin technology and autonomous drifting—areas where Chinese professors acknowledged that Hungary has a truly unique approach.

Real-World Traffic Tests and AI – Insights from Multiple Chinese Cities

In Beijing and Suzhou, the BME researchers encountered various smart transport solutions where autonomous vehicles are already operating in real urban traffic. These included buses and shuttle vehicles that alternated between relying on their own sensors and external infrastructure signals.

Among the Chinese implementations, Suzhou had the most advanced digital twin model, but even this was found to be surpassed by the Hungarian M1–M7 system in terms of technical capabilities.

Chongqing and Seres Automotive: Training Future Engineers and Autonomous Luxury Vehicles

At Chongqing University, the team was introduced to cutting-edge research in the automation of land, air, and water-based vehicles. Meanwhile, a visit to the Seres Automotive factory showcased the production of Huawei-powered AITO luxury vehicles.

The delegation rode in the M9 flagship model on a fully autonomous 25-minute journey from the factory to the airport. The vehicle successfully handled two unexpected traffic scenarios, demonstrating the maturity of the system.

Global Experience, Local Success – BME’s Smart Road Becomes a Global Reference

The study tour offered unambiguous confirmation: the digital twin-based system developed by the Budapest University of Technology and Economics not only held its ground against the world’s top smart road technologies — it actually outperformed them.

The M1–M7 smart road section has become an international reference point and rightfully claims the title: the world’s smartest highway section.

The collaborations already launched or currently under development—as well as the growing international recognition of Hungarian solutions—are paving the way for Hungary to become a key player in the future of mobility.

Engaging and Experience-Rich Sessions at the Department of Automotive Technology with the BME Children’s University Participants

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In the second week of July, excited groups of children once again arrived at the Department of Automotive Technology labs at BME – participants of the university’s summer camp, the Children’s University, visited us for three consecutive days.

The sessions organized for groups of 45 aimed to introduce them more closely to the university environment and to provide engaging, hands-on experiences about what life is really like at a technical department. In the department’s workshop hall, which also serves as a practical training space for our students, the children encountered a variety of active and creative tasks.

As part of the joint program, a group photo was taken of each group upon arrival, which we transformed into refrigerator magnets during the visit – at departure, every child could take home a personalized gift featuring their group photo. On one wall of the lab, a large white sheet collected colorful handprints from the participants – symbolic marks of the hours we spent together.

The sessions were led by the department’s staff, who gladly welcomed the children’s questions and enthusiasm. Although the tasks were not specifically related to vehicle technology, the participants got a glimpse of the environment where our students learn, research, and create.

Focused attention and teamwork: a picture of the workshop was put together in the form of a jigsaw puzzle by the children.

We were delighted that the Department of Automotive Technology could once again be part of the diverse program of the Children’s University this year, and we hope that many of them will one day return to us as students.

A personal gift at the end of the visit – everyone got to take home a fridge magnet made from their group photo.

Preparations.

Thought-Provoking Questions About the Future – Dr. Zsolt Szalay’s Lecture at BME Children’s University

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The BME Children’s University returned again in the summer of 2025, offering exciting lectures and activities for curious minds aged 8 to 14. One of the most popular sessions this year was a presentation by Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies and leader of the BME Automated Drive research group. His engaging and interactive lecture explored the evolution and future of self-driving vehicles.

From the very beginning, the young audience was visibly captivated. The combination of technological insights, visual demonstrations, and real-world examples sparked genuine curiosity among the children. After the lecture, many gathered around Dr. Szalay to ask questions—some of which reflected surprisingly mature thinking about topics such as the future of mobility, artificial intelligence, and the reliability of autonomous systems.

“For me, this is a true source of inspiration every year. It’s amazing to see how much talent and openness is present in this age group. These moments always reaffirm my belief in the importance of engaging with the youngest generation,” said Dr. Zsolt Szalay.

This was not Dr. Szalay’s first appearance at the Children’s University—he has been a regular contributor for years and is personally committed to introducing engineering and science to children from an early age. Based on the feedback, this year’s participants also left with new ideas, inspiration—and perhaps their very first impressions of university life.

We hope that many of them will one day return to the halls of BME as university students—perhaps even as members of the Department of Automotive Technologies.

“They Know What They’re Doing” – Industry Experts and a Graduate Reflect on the BME Final Examination

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At the final examination of the Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), it quickly became clear this summer that the event was much more than a traditional assessment. Through the students’ presentations and the reflections of industry representatives, it was evident: the next generation of engineers is not only well-prepared but also confident and credible in representing their knowledge.
Below, we share insights from three industry experts and a recent graduate — first-hand.

Dr. Andor Bauernhuber, examination board member

Materials Testing Engineer, Audi Hungaria Zrt.

“It’s always interesting to see how young people respond to this situation,” said Dr. Andor Bauernhuber, a returning board member, who often observes how nervous Hungarian students can be. “International students, by contrast, tend to approach it more casually — as if they’re preparing for a pleasant conversation. Yet, none of their lives are on the line — and it would help if everyone kept that in mind.”

He believes the final exam is not just about knowledge but also about how that knowledge is presented. “When someone gives a presentation, that’s how they convince us they’ve done the work and understand the topic. Preparation matters — but it’s just another task. No need to overdramatize it.”

He was impressed with this year’s students: “Several of them are people I’d gladly work with. You can tell they understand what they’re doing and know how to communicate their work effectively.”

What matters most for future engineers, according to him, are language skills, curiosity, and diligence. “Technical knowledge can be learned. It’s your attitude that determines whether you become a great engineer.”

Dr Andor Bauernhuber congratulates one of the candidates.

Gábor Balogh, examination board member

Senior Technical Advisor, BYD Electric Bus & Truck Hungary Kft.

“Well-prepared, high-quality presentations. I can only offer my congratulations,” summarized Gábor Balogh, who particularly praised the Bosch-themed project and another on composite materials that aligned with his own interests. “It was clear that students had deeply engaged with their topics — and that the university is preparing them effectively.”

He sees flexibility, openness, and continuous learning as essential qualities for engineers today. “BME provides a strong foundation — but students must go beyond that. I advise them to keep an eye on global trends, not just the domestic industry.”

His advice for future candidates: “Know your topic inside out, be confident, and stand by your knowledge — even when asked tough questions. The board isn’t trying to find flaws, but potential. And that’s good to keep in mind.”

Róbert Sik, examination board member

Group Leader, System & Hardware Application Engineering,
Continental Automotive Hungary Kft.

“It was a great experience. I saw excellent presenters who knew their topics well and spoke with confidence,” said Róbert Sik, who left the exam with a strongly positive impression. “Back in my day, we weren’t taught presentation skills — but these students made eye contact, stood tall, and structured their talks logically. This is a great generation.”

He found value in every topic but especially appreciated how thoroughly the students had worked through their material. “We couldn’t catch them off guard. Even under tough questioning, they knew exactly what they were doing — that’s the sign of real depth.”

In today’s fast-changing automotive world, engineers must adapt quickly. “Trends shift daily — internal combustion engines are even back in focus. You have to keep up.” According to Sik, three things are essential: technical knowledge, adaptability, and language proficiency.

His advice to future candidates: “Recognize your strengths and learn to present them well. Self-marketing is vital. If you know what you know — and can show it — you’ll be competitive.”

He sees the university–industry relationship as strong: “There’s always room to grow, but the fact that I could be here and gain insight shows we’re moving in the right direction.”

Ádám Ailer

Ádám Ailer, graduating student

BSc in Vehicle Manufacturing

“I truly enjoyed it,” said Ádám Ailer, a graduating student who was pleased with the reception of his presentation. “I got questions I was ready for — and answering them felt good.”

What made the experience special for him was the presence of industry professionals on the board. “These are experts who deal with such challenges daily. Their questions were precise and realistic.”

He received significant help in preparing his thesis and presentation from both his university advisor (Dr. József Hlinka) and his industry mentor. “They supported me with content, language, visuals — it was a great collaboration.”

He offered specific advice for future candidates: “Develop your thesis thoroughly, and then condense that deep knowledge into a presentation with clear visuals and diagrams. And practice — because this isn’t an everyday situation.”

As for his future? He hopes to stay in the field. “I’m currently a trainee at Continental. If an opportunity opens up, I’d be happy to stay. Things are still in motion, but the direction is clear.”

Reflecting on his years at BME: “There were tough semesters, but the final phase was very well-structured and enjoyable.”

Conclusion

The final examination not only showcased student performance but also reflected the quality of education, the strength of industry relations, and the trust placed in the next generation of engineers. According to industry experts, the BME Department of Automotive Technologies is on the right path — and its students truly know what they’re doing.
And they know how to show it.

Our researchers showcased their digital twin-based safety research at an international workshop in Naples

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The Vehicle Safety and Security Research Group of the BME Automated Drive Lab, part of the Department of Automotive Technologies, actively contributed to the professional program of the first International Workshop on Digital Twins for Dependability, Resilience and Security (DT4DRS). The event was held as part of the prestigious IEEE/IFIP DSN 2025 conference in Naples, Italy.

The workshop focused on the applications of digital twin technology in enhancing reliability, resilience, and cybersecurity—especially in the context of vehicle systems. Our colleagues delivered several presentations demonstrating how these tools can support the development of safer and more resilient mobility systems in the future.

Congratulations to our presenters – Tamás Márton Kazár, Roland Nagy, Emil Nagy, and Zsombor Pethő – for their excellent professional contributions!

We were especially pleased to see Andrea Marchetta among the organizers. Andrea is a PhD student at the University of Naples Federico II who previously spent several months in Budapest continuing his research at our department. The workshop was organized with great dedication by him and his colleague, Marcello Cinque.

The event provided a valuable opportunity not only to present our latest research findings but also to further strengthen the collaboration between BME and the international academic community.