On June 11, 2025, more than twenty secondary school teachers from institutions belonging to the Budapest Centre for Vocational Training in Mechanical Engineering visited the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME and the National Laboratory for Autonomous Systems, following their joint invitation. The aim of the professional event was to provide the guests with a comprehensive overview of the research and development activities conducted at the department and the laboratory, and to strengthen the connection between higher and secondary education.

The morning began with introductory presentations covering current and forward-looking topics such as the technological advancement of autonomous vehicles, the role of artificial intelligence in transportation, and the operation of autonomous experimental vehicle platforms.
The speakers were:
– Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of Department, Associate Professor – The Present and Future of Autonomous Driving
– Dr. Tamás Bécsi, Head of Department, Associate Professor – Artificial Intelligence and Transportation
– Dr. Szilárd Aradi, Associate Professor – Introduction to the Autonomous Experimental Vehicle Platform

In the second half of the program, the teachers participated in laboratory tours, where they had the opportunity to observe development environments and demonstration systems related to autonomous vehicles firsthand. During the demonstrations, the participants asked numerous questions, engaging in lively professional discussions with researchers and engineers.

The event was an important step toward creating a closer link between secondary education and the training of future engineers, while giving secondary school teachers firsthand insight into the directions of vehicle technology research and industrial innovation.

Below is a selection of photos taken during the event.

In the spring of 2025, we organized the third Safety First! student competition, where participants tackled current challenges in transportation safety with innovative ideas. The three-round competition concluded on June 6, when the finalist teams presented their fully developed concepts live.

The event was hosted by the Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, with the generous support of Bosch and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). We would like to express our gratitude to our industry partners for their continued support, and to our expert jury members for their valuable contributions:

• Péter Simányi (Jaguar Land Rover)

• Réka Jenei (Bosch)

• Dr. Ádám Török (Vice Dean for Science and International Affairs, Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering, BME)

• Tamás Kazár (PhD student, BME Automated Drive)

📊 Among the five finalist teams, the following earned top honors:

🥇 1st place – secUred
Team members: Dávid Sódar, Norbert Tök-Dietrich
Project title: Enhancing Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication Security through Elliptic Curve Authentication

🥈 2nd place – G.A. Fusion
Team members: Gadir Ahmadov, Yerdaulet Kappar, Adalat Mollayev
Project title: Enhancing Highway Safety through Intelligent Speed Limit Control and Sensor Fusion

🥉 3rd place – CLARA
Team member: Mostafa Shoma
Project title: Chessboard Lane Risk Assessment (CLARA): A Predictive Upgrade to LKA/ACC Systems for Proactive Collision Avoidance

We congratulate the top teams and thank all participants for their dedication and hard work. The presentations once again demonstrated the valuable contribution that young engineering students can make to the future of safe and intelligent mobility.

👏 See you next year at the next edition of Safety First!

The Autonomous Systems National Laboratory at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) recently brought the latest results of autonomous vehicle research closer to high school students through an online educational resource and an associated knowledge-based quiz competition. The top-performing students of the nationwide quiz were invited to a unique experience day on campus, where they got a glimpse into the underlying technologies, laboratories, and ways of thinking behind future mobility. Interviews conducted throughout the day reveal that it was not only the live demonstrations that captivated students, but also the depth of knowledge and the authenticity of the expert speakers that left a lasting impact.

“It’s important that kids hear about these technologies from credible sources”

Csilla Petrohainé Rostás, a teacher from Padányi Catholic School in Veszprém, shared her impressions after the event, speaking about the students’ curiosity and the pedagogical challenges of the digital future.

“There is a huge interest in autonomous vehicles,” she began. “We had already discussed the content with the students after the teacher briefing, and the materials clearly made a strong impression on them.” She noted that the students found the online content and the quiz game engaging, particularly the fact that sometimes there wasn’t a single correct answer—something that sparked real thinking.

Many students from her school took the test, and three of them were invited to the event. “They were thrilled, because they could feel this was a meaningful invitation, a real opportunity.”

As a teacher, she found the day equally inspiring. “It was fascinating to gain insight from first-hand experience, to see exactly where this field currently stands.”

The professional level of the event also reinforced her teaching philosophy. “It was motivating, because it confirmed that I’m on the right track when I talk to my students about the digital future. But I also see how much more teamwork, information, and inspiration they need, because their knowledge in this area is still quite limited.”

She emphasized the importance of credible sources. “There is a lot of sensationalist content in the media, but students only get a truly meaningful picture from events like this. That’s why it would be great if these programs were held more regularly.”

She also highlighted that autonomous vehicle development is not only for engineers. “It’s important for students to see that if someone is interested in law, they don’t only have to become a lawyer—they could work on the legal aspects of autonomous systems. I’d love to see more attention given to these interdisciplinary paths in education.”

Social acceptance, too, is a key issue. “How does society handle the idea that not all vehicles are driven by humans anymore? This is an exciting area for both psychology and sociology.”

Closing her remarks, she thanked the organizers and offered suggestions: “It would be amazing if students had more opportunities to meet credible professionals who not only give presentations but offer real insight into what skills are needed. These moments also help teachers better understand how to motivate students. If we had a clearer idea of where incoming university students tend to struggle, we could better support them.”

“The quiz was great, and now we’re even considering trying out some form of Scientific Student Research Projects (TDK) ourselves.”

A Glimpse into the Near Future: Students Reflect on the ARNL Knowledge Challenge

The quiz competition organized by the Autonomous Systems National Laboratory at BME was more than just an online knowledge test: it was an opportunity for the top-performing students to experience firsthand what it means to work on the automotive technologies of the future. Interviews from the event reveal that students were not only amazed by live demonstrations but also deeply inspired by the expertise and authenticity of the speakers.

Márton Marton-Bódi (Szent Mór School Center, Pécs) joined the quiz out of a general interest in electronics and engineering. “I was already curious about autonomous driving and AI, but I had never seen these systems explained in such detail before.” By the end of the day, he was enthusiastically talking about AI functionality and vehicle architecture.

Zsombor Bánhelyi (Ady Endre High School) found the program “inspiring.” “I especially liked the sensor explanations in the presentations. I understood details I had never seen before.” He hadn’t expected to be invited but was delighted to attend.

András Vincze-Pál (Budapest Fasori Evangelical High School) already has his sights set on BME. For him, both the content and the environment were impactful. “The level of research and presence of technology were really impressive. It’s clear that the future is being built here.”

Kristóf Bognár and Gergely Mendrei-Benkő from the Bánki Donát Technical School received the quiz as an assignment during online learning. For both of them, artificial intelligence was the highlight: “We got a peek into the future,” said Kristóf.

Csongor Csevrenka and Patrik Pardi from Gyula Catholic High School especially remembered Dr. Tamás Bécsi’s lecture: “It was simple, easy to understand, and still exciting.” They also appreciated the lab visits and the presentation about the ZalaZONE proving ground, which Csongor described as “an amazing experience.”

Students Ármin Hegedűs and Benedek Dunajcsik (Padányi Catholic School, Veszprém) most enjoyed the presentations and seeing the real technologies up close. “We saw how the LIDAR works and how systems connect,” they shared.

Angéla Balogh (Csokonai V. Mihály High School, Debrecen) was invited after her chemistry teacher forwarded the quiz. “I didn’t expect it to be this interesting. I learned so much about AI and autonomous vehicles. And it was great to see everything up close, not just in pictures.”

Marcell Kozsda, who learned about the event through his mother, a BME staff member, especially appreciated the amount of information. “There was a lot to process, but it was incredibly interesting. Especially the monitoring systems that feed data to AI. I had no idea how complex that process is.”

The students’ responses clearly show: this event offered not just information, but motivation, guidance, and inspiration. Many of them are still exploring their paths, but one thing is certain: on that day, they moved closer to a future we are only beginning to imagine.

In the first week of May, BME x JLR TechDays took place once again – one of the flagship events of the strategic collaboration between Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The highlight of the two-day professional program was the much-anticipated keynote by David Nesbitt, Global Director of Digital Product Platform at JLR Product Engineering. His talk, titled Software Defined Vehicle and Future Technologies, became a memorable experience both for its forward-looking content and for the active engagement of the audience.

The Vehicle as a Software-Enabled Ecosystem

In an interview ahead of his keynote, David Nesbitt shared his insights on the future of vehicle software. According to him, the term “software-defined vehicle” can be misleading – a more accurate term would be “software-enabled vehicle.” The aim is not for software to dictate what a car can do, but to empower rapid introduction of new services and experiences.

In Nesbitt’s vision, the car becomes a key element of a personalized mobility ecosystem: it could assist passengers in organizing flights, planning airport departures, managing parking, or seamlessly using another branded vehicle in a foreign country, personalized to the user’s preferences. Premium experience, in this context, extends beyond driving – it encompasses the entire mobility journey.

“I’m really proud to work for Jaguar Land Rover – proud of our products, but even more so of the people I work with,” says David Nesbitt, who collaborates with 14 international engineering hubs, including the one in Budapest. “Every team I work with is excellent. It’s a great opportunity for me to be here at the university today, meet new people, and explore future projects we could realize together.”

Speaking about JLR’s product strategy, Nesbitt laid out a clear direction: “Our premium customers are not just looking for features – they want simplicity, comfort, and a seamless experience. For instance, we’ve deliberately reduced the number of physical controls in the Range Rover. There are still some buttons, partly due to regulatory reasons and partly because certain functions are simply more intuitive that way. But our goal is to avoid overwhelming the driver with sensory input or tasks. We want to create an interior that is calm, refined – a space from which drivers emerge truly relaxed.”

Nesbitt emphasized how this contrasts with other industry players: “Some competitors throw too much data and too many options at users – that’s not what we believe in, and it doesn’t align with our brand.”

At the same time, the premium experience goes far beyond the vehicle itself: “This is now about an entire ecosystem. I imagine a customer sitting at home in the evening with a glass of wine, thinking about the next day’s tasks – some of which will involve the car. These can be planned in advance, even remotely – or the car itself might anticipate the user’s needs and adjust its settings accordingly. That’s where we’re headed. We already have many capabilities – but there’s still a long way to go.”

The Platform That Gives Engineers Freedom

One of the central messages of the presentation was that software does not define the experience – rather, it creates the framework that enables the desired experience. JLR’s comprehensive digital platform allows for a complete rethinking of the customer journey, while preserving the brand’s signature refined and elegant driving environment. Minimal use of physical controls, avoidance of visual or sensory overload – all reflect the philosophy that a car is simultaneously a tool, a space, and an experience, with the customer always at the center.

Collaboration with BME: Engineers, Research, and a Shared Future

The collaboration between JLR and BME has developed significantly in recent years, culminating in a formal strategic partnership agreement last year. During the TechDays, a professional discussion was held to explore future joint opportunities.

“At Jaguar Land Rover, we see collaboration with universities as completely self-evident – it’s just common sense,” says David Nesbitt, who visited BME for the first time. “This is my first chance to personally learn about the capabilities of some faculties here, and I can already see that they are closely aligned with our technological strategy. That’s exciting in itself.”

Nesbitt says there are no illusions at Jaguar Land Rover: “We’re not too proud to admit that we need others’ expertise in development. Collaboration brings immense value – we can always learn something from our partners, especially in the technical domain.”

The relationship with BME is already strong: more than 200 developers are working for JLR in Budapest, many of them with ties to the university – in fact, the local team leader is a BME graduate. “This is already a solid foundation – but it’s just the beginning. We can take even bigger steps together.”

There are numerous areas for joint development: “Connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud-based platforms, electric architectures, computing performance, artificial intelligence, graphics, autonomous driving – these are all key areas. I’ve seen some truly impressive technology here that we could integrate into our products to enhance the customer experience.”

Nesbitt adds that JLR also collaborates with other universities globally, as it operates multiple sites around the world. “What would be truly exciting is not just building bilateral relationships, but creating a global academic network in which BME plays a key role. That would be a huge opportunity for everyone involved.”

Why Should BME Students Choose Jaguar Land Rover?

“Why? Easy – we’re the coolest automotive company in the world – why wouldn’t they choose JLR?” David Nesbitt laughs, then quickly adds that he’s only half-joking. “But seriously, Jaguar Land Rover is a truly special place to work.”

“We’ve built a very open and supportive corporate culture. People really matter to us – we listen, we value their input, and we give them the opportunity to make a real impact through their work. Those who work with us are not just executors – they’re contributors and creators.”

He believes this people-centered mindset is one of the main attractions for young talent. The other major factor? The product itself: “Our vehicles are simply fantastic. Personally, I’m extremely proud to be part of the JLR team – and I’d be surprised if my colleagues didn’t feel the same. We love what we do, and that’s something you can feel everywhere we operate around the globe. I, for one, have the best job in the world – and I mean that quite seriously.”

Outstanding interest and active audience engagement
David Nesbitt’s keynote was memorable not only for its content, but also for its atmosphere. Held in one of the lecture halls of Building Q, the event concluded with a long line of attendees eager to ask questions—making it nearly impossible for the speaker to leave the room. This enthusiastic response highlights the genuine and growing interest within BME in the digital transformation of the automotive industry and the strategic implications of software-driven technologies.

Moments of a growing partnership
BME × JLR TechDays served as a professional forum, a platform for inspiring talks, and a new milestone in our strategic partnership. Looking ahead, we anticipate even more joint projects, student and researcher collaborations, and industry engagement—all aimed at strengthening the connection between Hungarian engineering education and the cutting edge of the European automotive industry.

Andrea Marchetta, a PhD student at the University of Naples Federico II, spent several months in Budapest conducting research at the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME. Before his return to Italy, we spoke with him about his professional and personal experiences during his time here. It turned out that the sense of community far outweighed the challenges of the Hungarian language, and the educational experience left a lasting impression.

How did you end up at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics?
The story starts with a fortunate connection: the University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), where I’m doing my PhD, already had ties with BME. My supervisor, Professor Bifulco, has known Professor Szalay for some time, and through that connection I got to know about BME. When I looked into it further, I realized that the Department of Automotive Technologies is very advanced – it felt like a natural choice for me. Although I come from a computer science background, I’ve always been interested in the automotive industry.

How well did this new environment suit you, professionally and personally?
Surprisingly well. The Department provided everything I needed to grow as an engineer and as a PhD student. I joined the Safety and Security Research Group led by Professor Török, and we worked on V2X communication – it was a perfect match for my skills and interests.
On a personal level, the experience was just as rewarding. Everyone was incredibly open and friendly. Every single time I entered a room, people would immediately switch to English so I could be part of the conversation – that meant a lot to me.

Did you have any expectations or concerns before coming to Budapest?
I didn’t know much about Hungary – I arrived with a blank slate. Coming from southern Italy, I’m part of a more Mediterranean world, and I was curious how I’d be received in a different culture. But I quickly realized that the shared work, the joint projects, and the openness toward one another made everything else irrelevant.

How was it settling into everyday life? Anything that surprised you?
Mostly the daily rhythm. In the south, we eat lunch and dinner later, and we’re used to more daylight, even in winter. Here, I had to adjust to that. The food culture also surprised me – for example, soup isn’t really a starter for us, while here, nearly every lunch or dinner begins with it. And well, after growing up with Italian cuisine, it’s hard to accept other flavors – but goulash and pálinka were truly special experiences.

Did you get a chance to explore outside the city as well?
Yes, I visited a castle north of the Danube – I’ve unfortunately forgotten the name – and my colleagues also took me to Lake Balaton. It wasn’t the ideal season for a trip, but I was really happy to get a glimpse of the Budapest area.

Did you have the chance to connect with people outside the department?
To be honest, that wasn’t my main goal. I was more focused on discovering the city from the outside – I did a lot of walking, visited the main landmarks. I mostly spent my free time with the research group: beers, chats – that was more than enough for me.

What advice would you give to others considering international studies at BME?
I would recommend it one hundred percent! The city is easy to live in, getting around is simple, the university is welcoming, and the education is high-quality – especially for those wanting to grow in the automotive field. But I’m sure that students in other faculties would have similarly great experiences. I had a wonderful time here, and I’m happy to recommend it to others.

Is there any final thought you’d like to share with readers of the department website?
I can only encourage everyone: just like I did, have the courage to step into a new environment, meet a different culture, and don’t be afraid of being an outsider – because if you come with an open mind, the community will welcome you. I’m going home with a backpack full of knowledge, experiences, and friendships.

Andrea’s story is a great example of how much a period abroad can offer – not only professionally, but personally as well. And for the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME, it’s always a pleasure to shape the future together with visiting students, building bridges between knowledge and cultures.