Hungarian Innovation Could Elevate Autonomous Vehicle Safety to a New Level

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The Vehicle Safety Research Group at the Department of Automotive Technologies, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), presented today its unique technological development that promises to raise the safety of automated mobility to a new level. The aim of the project is to enable vehicles to detect hazardous situations—such as an approaching vehicle at a blind intersection—even when conventional environmental sensors like cameras or radars fail to perceive them. The internationally distinctive technology will result in a vehicle-integrable system expected to be completed within two years.

The development was showcased during an on-site visit by the Professional Advisory Board of the National Laboratory of Autonomous Systems, organized at the initiative of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH). During the visit, BME researchers provided an overview of Hungary’s latest innovations in autonomous vehicle safety.

A key component of autonomous mobility is the vehicle’s radio communication with other vehicles and with roadside sensing systems. The core of BME’s innovation lies in a safety function capable of recognizing approaching hazards in time and alerting the driver or the automated system, even under weak signal conditions. This enables vehicles to maintain reliable operation even when communication quality degrades, significantly reducing potential risks.

“Our goal is to ensure that vehicles can respond safely to emerging hazards under all circumstances. Our system can optimize the safety of an autonomous vehicle even in extreme environmental conditions, when it temporarily loses reliable signals from its surroundings,” explains Dr. Árpád Török, Senior Research Fellow at the BME Department of Automotive Technologies and Head of the Vehicle Safety Research Group. “This advancement could represent a new level of safety for autonomous driving, potentially accelerating the widespread adoption of automated mobility while helping to strengthen public trust in the technology through positive real-world experience.”

Virtual testing against invisible hazards

The system developed by the research group can also serve as a testing environment, allowing radio communication–based vehicle functions to be tested simultaneously in real and virtual settings. The solution can simulate weak communication links, enabling the assessment of how a vehicle reacts in critical situations under realistic conditions. The results can then be used to develop new, more advanced safety concepts. The system provides an independent, technology-neutral testing environment for validating future vehicle communication systems. This innovation is pioneering even on an international scale, supporting research, development, and safety standardization alike.

Cybersecurity as a key priority

Not only external but also internal communication networks within vehicles directly affect the physical safety of road users. In increasingly networked vehicles, various control units—such as braking, steering, and powertrain controllers—constantly exchange data. If these internal communications are compromised by a cyberattack or system failure, vehicle controllability, stability, and responsiveness can be endangered. To prevent such risks, BME’s research team places strong emphasis on investigating and enhancing the cybersecurity of in-vehicle networks, communication protocols, and control systems.

“It is a strategic priority for us to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity methodologies for our automotive industry partners. Our research focuses on AI-assisted security development and intelligent testing approaches. These methods allow for early detection of potential vulnerabilities and the design of preventive protection strategies. We also provide cybersecurity testing services supporting vehicle homologation processes, and we contribute to the creation of national testing protocols—helping ensure that Hungary’s automotive industry can apply safe, up-to-date, and globally competitive solutions,” adds Árpád Török, Ph.D.

Innovation and Safety Shaping the Future of the Bus Industry – BME Experts at the 55th Bus Engineering Conference

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Technological innovation and vehicle safety were in the spotlight on October 29 at the 55th Bus Engineering Conference, held at DrivingCamp Hungary in Zsámbék. The Department of Automotive Technologies at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) was represented by two speakers: Dr. József Hlinka and Dr. Zsombor Pethő.

This long-standing professional event brings together experts focusing on the development, operation, and maintenance of buses and trolleybuses. This year’s conference placed special emphasis on the introduction of electric buses and the first operational experiences, the presentation of new Hungarian bus developments, as well as the role of driver assistance systems and the industry’s environmental transition.

Representing two complementary research areas within the Department:

  • Dr. József Hlinka, head of the Laser and Vehicle Manufacturing Technologies Research Group, presented “Innovative Structural Materials and Joining Technologies in the Vehicle and Bus Industry”, highlighting new directions in safety, durability, and sustainability.
  • Dr. Zsombor Pethő, from the Vehicle Safety Research Group, gave a presentation titled “Cybersecurity Compliance of Vehicles”, addressing the protection challenges and compliance requirements of connected and automated vehicle systems.

The venue provided not only a professional atmosphere for discussions but also space for indoor exhibitions, outdoor bus demonstrations, and on-track test drives. The event offered an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and shaping the future of public transport together.

The participation of BME’s researchers once again underlined the Department’s active role in advancing the Hungarian vehicle industry — contributing to a safer and more sustainable transport future through cutting-edge manufacturing and cybersecurity research.

BMW donates an electric MINI for educational use to BME’s Department of Automotive Technologies

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The BMW Group has donated a fully electric MINI Countryman SE All4 to the Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). The vehicle was received by Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of Department, and Dr. Márk Lelkes, Head of the Innovative Vehicle Technologies Research Group, for educational purposes.

Thanks to the contribution of BMW Group Hungary, a brand-new fully electric MINI Countryman SE All4 has arrived at BME’s Department of Automotive Technologies. The vehicle is not road-legal and cannot be sold; it will exclusively serve educational and research purposes in laboratory environments, supporting hands-on learning for students.

The official handover ceremony took place on October 27 at Rack Autó, BMW’s dealership in Budaörs. The car was presented to the university representatives by Éva Csomor, Qualification & Retail HR Manager for Hungary and Romania, and Róbert Rák, Head of Customer Service at BMW Group Hungary.

“At BMW Group Hungary, we consider it a priority to support higher technical education and inspire the engineers of the future. Electromobility represents not only technological progress but also a change in mindset — one that requires the active involvement of young talent. With this initiative, we are strengthening our presence in higher education as well, contributing to the competitiveness of Hungarian engineering students and to shaping the future of the automotive industry,”

said Éva Csomor, Training and Retail HR Manager at BMW Group Hungary.

Róbert Rák, Head of Customer Service at BMW Group Hungary, emphasized the long-term goals of the initiative:

“This is a long-term program focused on developing the next generation of professionals — one of the biggest challenges in our industry today, especially on the service side. Collaborations like this ensure that future engineers can learn using state-of-the-art technology. Our technical trainers are also ready to support university instructors in gaining a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s diagnostic and drivetrain systems.”

Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of Department, expressed his appreciation:

“We are very pleased about this collaboration and grateful to BMW Group Hungary for this generous donation. The vehicle will play a significant role in both laboratory courses and research projects. We hope this handover will be the first milestone in a long-term partnership that creates new opportunities in automotive education and research.”

He added that the department has in recent years placed growing emphasis on inspiring young people and promoting engineering careers. Partnerships with industry leaders such as BMW Group Hungary are essential to ensure that students encounter real, cutting-edge technologies during their university studies.

The donated MINI Countryman SE All4 is the brand’s largest model — the flagship of the Countryman range. The fully electric, all-wheel-drive vehicle incorporates BMW Group’s latest technologies. It will serve as a valuable educational tool for teaching electric mobility, powertrain diagnostics, and energy management.

The collaboration between BMW Group Hungary and BME’s Department of Automotive Technologies represents an exemplary step in bridging academic knowledge and practical industry experience — and a strong signal of the automotive industry’s commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers.
As Éva Csomor concluded, “this cooperation is part of BMW Group Hungary’s long-term strategy, built on the three pillars of innovation, sustainability, and education.”

Impact from Research — Industrial Partners Present Joint Results with BME at the ARNL Professional Meeting

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The Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and the National Laboratory of Autonomous Systems (ARNL) held a joint professional meeting on October 7, 2025, where key industrial partners showcased the outcomes and future directions of their collaborations with the university. The event was also streamed online for high school students, teachers, BME students, and researchers, offering a broader audience insight into the impact of academic–industrial cooperation.

The goal of the event was clear: to demonstrate how laboratory research evolves into industrial applications, and what tangible benefits university–industry collaborations bring to the fields of automotive technology and transportation infrastructure.

“Research becomes truly valuable when it has an impact on the world — when academic knowledge finds its way into industrial practice, and through it, into everyday life of society.”

– said Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME and Scientific Director of the National Laboratory of Autonomous Systems, in his opening remarks.

Az együttműködés ereje – az ipar szemszögéből

A találkozón hat vállalat vezetői és szakértői osztották meg tapasztalataikat a BME-vel közösen végzett munkáról.

The Power of Collaboration — Through the Eyes of Industry

Leaders and experts from six major companies shared their perspectives on joint work with BME.

András Kemler, Managing Director for Technical Areas at Robert Bosch Kft., highlighted how collaborative research — such as the Ground Truth Cross-Validation and Intelligent Traffic Sensing System developments — supports the real-world testing and industrial deployment of autonomous systems.

Dr. Zoltán Gyurkó, Head of Research and Development at Knorr-Bremse Braking Systems Kft., discussed cybersecurity in vehicle systems and the role of artificial intelligence. He presented tools and methods — including AI-based TARA and smart fuzzer developments — that strengthen secure development lifecycles.

Mike Sasena, Automotive Product Manager at MathWorks, expressed his appreciation in a video message for the collaboration with the BME Automated Drive Lab, which led to the integration of three digital track elements of the ZalaZONE proving ground into the latest MATLAB and Simulink release. These realistic scenes are now available to researchers and developers worldwide.

Róbert Radnai, Engineering Vice President at SMR Automotive Mirror Technology Hungary, presented the company’s innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of sensor fusion, augmented reality technologies, and formally verified models in developing safe and reliable vehicle systems.

Zoltán Karászi, Chairman of the Board at QTICS Group, shared insights from the field of automotive conformity assessment and cybersecurity certification. Through collaboration with ARNL and BME, Hungarian engineering expertise now contributes to international homologation processes aligned with UN R155, R156, and R157 standards.

Finally, József Attila Szilvai, CEO of Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt., spoke about the digital transformation of road management. His presentation introduced the digital twin and Central System developments on the joint section of the M1–M7 motorways, pioneering examples of real-time traffic monitoring and integrated use of geospatial data.

As the program concluded, participants experienced a VR-based demonstration that brought the Central System and the M1–M7 digital twin to life.
The immersive, real-time visualization offered a striking illustration of how research results can evolve into a development platform serving the future of safe and intelligent mobility.

When Research Becomes Tangible

The presentations made it clear that the joint developments of BME and its industrial partners reach far beyond the laboratory — taking shape in real-world systems, products, and services.
The digital twin, cybersecurity validation frameworks, and virtual ZalaZONE track elements are all innovations that simultaneously advance scientific progress and enhance industrial competitiveness.

After the formal program, guests continued their discussions informally, exploring new opportunities for collaboration and defining shared directions for the future.

Collaboration Continues

The Department of Automotive Technologies and the National Laboratory of Autonomous Systems extend their sincere thanks to all speakers — András Kemler (Bosch), Dr. Zoltán Gyurkó (Knorr-Bremse), Mike Sasena (MathWorks), Róbert Radnai (SMR), Zoltán Karászi (QTICS), and József Attila Szilvai (Magyar Közút) — for their inspiring and thought-provoking contributions.

The event once again demonstrated that when scientific research meets industrial innovation, the result is impact — on technology, on industry, and ultimately, on our shared future.

Hungarian–Austrian EUREKA Central System Project Concludes with Final Event at BME

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A four-year research and development project has come to a successful close at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Led by BME’s Department of Automotive Technologies, the EUREKA Central System project showcased the next generation of automated vehicles and intelligent road infrastructures. The international consortium — comprising six Hungarian and six Austrian partners — developed cutting-edge technological solutions that open new horizons in testing and developing autonomous mobility systems.

Launched in September 2021, the project presented its final results in October 2025 at BME’s Stoczek Street building. The closing event was opened by Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies, followed by presentations from Dr. András Rövid (BME) and Dr. Arno Eichberger (TU Graz), who outlined the project’s main objectives and milestones.

The Next Generation of Smart Roads

At the heart of the project was the development of a centralized system supporting the testing and control of connected and automated vehicles. The system, created by BME’s research team, generates a real-time, high-precision digital twin from roadside sensor data, capable of mapping the movements of both vehicles and their environment.

One of the most striking achievements was the smart road segment built along the shared section of Hungary’s M1–M7 motorways. Based on its digital twin model, BME researchers also developed a mobile application that provides vehicles without onboard sensors with real-time traffic and environmental information — such as lane positioning, surrounding vehicle movements, and static object locations.

“The project’s key significance lies in creating the next generation of smart roads and demonstrating their potential in developing and testing connected and automated vehicles. We also validated our results through real-world demonstrations with our partners,” emphasized Dr. András Rövid, the project’s technical lead and researcher at BME Automated Drive.

Cloud-Based Vehicle Control and Mixed-Reality Testing

Together with experts from TU Wien, STARD, and Virtual Vehicle, the BME team developed cloud-based vehicle control and trajectory planning solutions that enable centralized driving control and teleoperation at speeds of up to 90 km/h.

Another innovation was the mixed-reality testing as a service concept, which allows virtual objects to be integrated into real-world test environments — with vehicles responding to them as if they were real. With the contribution of TU Graz, researchers also implemented real-time integration of actual traffic data into simulation environments, allowing for even more realistic testing conditions.

Extensive Industrial Collaboration

Hungarian project partners included Robert Bosch Kft., Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt., Budapest Közút Zrt., Magyar Telekom Nyrt., and Bimfra Kft.
On the Austrian side, participants included TU Graz, TU Wien, Joanneum Research, Tom Robotics, STARD, and Virtual Vehicle.

Magyar Közút was responsible for establishing the sensor infrastructure along the M1–M7 motorway section. Bosch defined the system requirements, validated the smart road using drone-based methods, and integrated advanced driver assistance functions into the central control system. Magyar Telekom coordinated the development of the 5G V2X communication infrastructure, while Budapest Közút and Bimfra conducted high-resolution mapping and 3D modeling tasks.

Collaboration for the Future of Autonomous Mobility

Participants unanimously emphasized that the project not only delivered technological innovations but also laid the groundwork for the future of road infrastructure and the integrated development model of connected autonomous mobility.

The EUREKA Central System project has demonstrated that international, industry–academia collaborations can deliver practical, working solutions to the challenges of intelligent transportation — opening a new chapter in the research and development of automated vehicles.

Metal 3D Printing Up Close at the Researchers’ Night

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At the end of September, the halls of BME once again came alive as Researchers’ Night opened its doors to science enthusiasts. This year’s programs allowed visitors to explore laboratories that are rarely accessible to the public. The Department of Automotive Technologies also welcomed guests, who had the chance to discover one of today’s most advanced manufacturing processes: metal 3D printing.

The demonstration was led by Dr. Ferenc László Varga, Assistant Professor at our department, and Alexandra Bereczki, PhD student. They introduced the audience to Selective Laser Melting (SLM), an additive manufacturing technology, guiding them through the entire workflow — from design and production to post-processing — and showcasing finished components.

Visitors could see a selection of several hundred printed parts produced at the department, and even witnessed something special: the live production of a drone main frame from titanium, created within the framework of the Cooperative Technologies National Laboratory (KTNL) project.

All three sessions quickly filled up, and participants enjoyed an engaging, hands-on insight into how metal 3D printing is shaping the future of manufacturing.