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!

Bridging the “Valley of Death”: Dr. Zsolt Szalay on the Role of the State in Driving Innovation

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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

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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

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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

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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)

Michael Cusumano’s Visit to the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME

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At the end of September, Michael Cusumano, the renowned professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), visited the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). After meeting with BME’s Rector, Dr. Charaf Hassan, in the company of Dr. András Nemeslaki, Vice Rector for International Affairs, and Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies, Cusumano visited our department, where he held discussions with Dr. Zsolt Szalay about fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking at the university. We consider this meeting at our department a particularly significant professional event.

Prof. Cusumano, who is the former Deputy Dean of the MIT Sloan School of Management, is a highly respected expert in innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems. During the departmental meeting, his insights and advice contributed to enhancing the department’s ability to better support the economic application of domestic research and development results. Prof Cusumano also toured the laboratories of the Department of Automotive Technologies, where he praised the inspiring innovative environment he encountered.

Cusumano’s professional journey is rich and diverse. As a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management and one of the faculty leaders of the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (REAP), he plays a globally recognized leading role in developing innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems. Hungary is also part of this program with the Scale-Up Hungary team, supported by  BME professional team, including Dr. András Nemeslaki and Dr. Zsolt Szalay. Cusumano noted that BME, with its technological focus, is an ideal partner for collaboration that could yield significant long-term results for the Hungarian innovation ecosystem.

Following the departmental visit, Cusumano participated in a workshop organized by the HUN-REN research network, where he delivered a keynote speech on the challenges of entrepreneurship and the commercialization of technology. The professor emphasized that Hungary, particularly the Budapest region, offers an excellent foundation for innovation; however, further strengthening of cooperation between universities, researchers, and businesses is necessary. According to Cusumano, the goal of the REAP program is precisely to increase the region’s competitiveness by leveraging the experiences of local teams.

Prof. Cusumano’s visit marked an important milestone for the Department of Automotive Technologies, as we had the privilege of receiving support from an authority who has been an active player in the global innovation arena for decades. The knowledge and experience accumulated at MIT can now be utilized at BME to turn Hungarian research results into economic value.

Professor Cusumano’s visit was covered by both bme.hu and Világgazdaság.

Jürgen Steinberger’s Lecture Series at BME: A Unique Opportunity to Explore Synergies Between Engineering and Business

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This autumn, the joint lecture series of Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and Knorr-Bremse AG has once again started, offering students an exceptional opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the latest developments and disruptive transformation of the commercial vehicle industry. The course is taught by Dr. Jürgen Steinberger, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems.

The title of the course is “Synergy of Engineering and Business: The Disruptive Transformation of the Truck Industry as a Case Study 2” (BMEKOKKBsM8002-00), and it can be taken without completing the similarly titled course from the previous semester.

This lecture series offers a unique opportunity not only for the students enrolled in the course but also for anyone interested in the intersection of engineering and business. As Zsolt SZALAY, PhD, Head of the Automotive Technologies Department at BME, emphasized: “I am proud to support the continued collaboration between Knorr-Bremse and BME. This lecture series provides cutting-edge insights into the commercial vehicle industry through real-world case studies.”

Steinberger’s lectures cover not only engineering knowledge but also the business decisions behind it. “It is important for engineers to understand not just the technical solutions but also why certain business decisions are made. This enhances their commitment to the work they do,” explained the lecturer.

It is rare to hear such an authentic and well-founded lecture from a high-level manager. We encourage everyone, not just those enrolled in the subject, to attend these valuable sessions as they offer a unique chance to learn about real-world industry experiences and the synergies between engineering and business.

Senior Executive of Thyssenkrupp to Give a Lecture at BME

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Kristof Polmans, Senior Vice President of Research and Advanced Engineering at Thyssenkrupp Steering, will visit Budapest University of Technology and Economics at the invitation of the Department of Automotive Technologies to deliver a lecture on the company’s innovation journey.

With more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Polmans began his career at Ford Motor Company and has spent nearly two decades at Thyssenkrupp, leading projects focused on advanced technologies and innovations.

The lecture will highlight how Thyssenkrupp Steering transitioned from being a “slow follower” to becoming an innovation leader in the industry. Polmans will provide insights into major projects such as Steer by Wire, Brake by Wire systems, and Vehicle Motion Control, which have significantly shaped the company’s path. He will also address the challenges of innovation and what it takes to foster a successful and sustainable innovation culture within a company.

The event is part of the ongoing collaboration between the department’s research community and their industry partners, aimed at strengthening ties between academia and the industrial sector.

The event was made possible with the support of Ádám Bárdos, Head of the Vehicle Dynamics and Control Research Group, whose contribution to organizing the lecture is greatly appreciated.

Lecture details:

  • Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
  • Time: 10:00–12:00
  • Location: ST Building, Room 321/A
  • Registration HERE

All interested participants are welcome, and registration is required for attendance.