Safety First 2025 – The First Round is Complete!

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On March 21, the first round of the Safety First! competition successfully took place, where six teams presented their innovative solutions to current challenges in transportation and vehicle safety. The participants focused not only on identifying problems but also on proposing feasible solutions, highlighting applicable technological and methodological innovations.

However, the competition is far from over: the teams have until May 9 to further develop their concepts with the support of industry and academic mentors.

Projects presented in the first round:
🔹 secUred – Enhancing Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication security through elliptic curve authentication
🔹 Percepta – Perception-Aware Intelligent Transport System for the preemptive protection of vulnerable road users
🔹 CLARA – Chessboard Lane Risk Assessment: A predictive upgrade to LKA/ACC systems for proactive collision avoidance
🔹 Kokanyek – Mechanical failure detection from vibration data using neural networks
🔹 Fuzzers – Innovative solutions for fuzz testing vehicle control functions
🔹 G.A. Fusion – Enhancing highway safety through intelligent speed limit control and sensor fusion

We would like to thank our sponsors, Bosch and JLR, for making this competition possible, as well as our jury members – Péter Simányi (JLR), Réka Jenei (Bosch), Ádám Török (BME KJK), and Tamás Kazár (BME Automated Drive) – for their professional evaluation and support.

Congratulations to all participating teams, and best of luck in the next round! 🚀

#SafetyFirst #Innovation #TransportationSafety

BME and QTICS Automotive Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement

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On March 14, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and QTICS Automotive Zrt. signed a framework cooperation agreement in a formal ceremony, laying the foundation for future joint developments and research.

BME was represented at the event by Dr. János Levendovszky, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Miklós Verseghi-Nagy, Chancellor, Dr. Zsolt Szalay, Head of Department, Dr. Árpád Török, Head of Research Group, and Dr. Zsombor Pethő, Research Fellow.

The cooperation aims to foster joint work in the field of automotive testing and certification, focusing on the following key areas:

  • Vehicle certification and approval – developing new type approval and homologation procedures,
  • System testing and validation – improving testing methods for vehicle systems,
  • Safety and security risk analysis – examining issues related to automotive cybersecurity and functional safety,
  • Addressing digitalization challenges – conducting risk assessments for automotive software development,
  • Education and training – providing students with state-of-the-art testing methods and hands-on industrial experience.

Dr. Árpád Török, Head of the Safety Technology Research Group at BME’s Department of Automotive Technologies, commented on the collaboration:

“The partnership between BME and QTICS Automotive provides an exceptional opportunity to apply our research on automotive cybersecurity directly in practice. By integrating new testing procedures into industrial validation processes, the university can channel real-world experience and knowledge back into education, helping to prepare the next generation of professionals.”

Another significant agreement was also signed at the event: QTICS Automotive Zrt. and Anhui Pusi Standard Technology Co., a subsidiary of one of China’s leading automakers, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding. The goal of this agreement is to enable QTICS and Jáfi-AUTÓKUT Engineering Ltd. to jointly conduct the type approval of Chery Automobile vehicles in Hungary, in collaboration with the Transport Authority.

For BME’s Department of Automotive Technologies, this cooperation opens new perspectives in vehicle certification, safety testing, and cybersecurity research, further strengthening its scientific and industrial network.

Dr. István Emőd Turns 85 – Honoring Our Esteemed Colleague!

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The Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. István Emőd, our retired faculty member, on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

Dr. István Emőd’s name is synonymous with research on internal combustion engines and the teaching of automotive innovation at the university. He earned his mechanical engineering degree from BME in 1963 and later obtained his doctorate in engineering from the same institution. Over the course of more than four decades, he served the university as a teaching assistant, associate professor, deputy director, and institute director. He later took on the role of acting head of the Department of Automotive Technologies.

Throughout his career, he educated generations of engineers in the theoretical and practical aspects of internal combustion engines and the latest advancements in vehicle propulsion technologies. His dedication to his field and rigorous scientific approach serve as an enduring example for current and future engineers. His publications, textbooks, and conference presentations remain fundamental resources in the discipline.

Students have always greatly valued not only his technical expertise but also his integrity and dedication. He was known as a precise and well-prepared lecturer who always brought up-to-date knowledge to his classes. His teaching style was logical, clear, and practical, making even the most complex engineering topics understandable and engaging. Many recall him as a mentor who not only imparted knowledge but also instilled a passion for the field and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Dr. Emőd was not only an outstanding educator and researcher but also a person deeply committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration. Alongside his university work, he expanded his knowledge during international study visits and participated in numerous industry collaborations. He often spoke fondly of his time at the Technical Universities of Dresden and Vienna, where he had the opportunity to work with renowned professors and build both professional relationships and lasting friendships. Even in retirement, he continues to follow developments in the field and shares his invaluable experience with the next generation of engineers.

His unwavering professionalism and approachable demeanor make him unforgettable to all who have had the privilege of knowing him. He was always available to his students and colleagues, never hesitating to offer his time for both professional and personal discussions. Many remember him not just as an exceptional professor but as someone with whom one could always have an insightful and enjoyable conversation—whether about technical topics or life itself.

On this special occasion, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. István Emőd for his invaluable contributions to the university, the department, and generations of students. We wish him good health and many more years of happiness and activity!

Hungarian universities’ joint research on self-driving car passengers’ psychophysiological responses published in Scientific Reports, a journal of the Nature Portfolio

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The Department of Automotive Technologies at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), in collaboration with researchers from the University of Szeged (SZTE) and experts from the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN), has published the results of their joint study in one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals, Scientific Reports, published by Nature. The study, titled “Passenger physiology in self-driving vehicles during unexpected events“, comprehensively examines the physiological responses of passengers when faced with unforeseen situations—a crucial element for advancing the social acceptance of autonomous transportation.

Research Methodology and Key Findings

In this study, the researchers compared the reactions of passengers under unexpected events in both traditional, human-driven vehicles and self-driving vehicles. They conducted a series of measurements, including electroencephalography (EEG), eye-tracking, head movement analysis, and blinking frequency recordings under various driving conditions and unexpected road events.

Among the most significant findings was that passengers in self-driving mode exhibited lower affectivity values. This response is linked to a perceived lack of control over the vehicle’s movement. Additionally, multifractal analysis revealed that unexpected events—such as the sudden appearance of an obstacle—had a pronounced impact on both eye and head movement patterns in both driving modes, indicating an increased demand for visual information in critical situations.

An interesting observation was that, under normal driving conditions, passengers in the autonomous mode blinked less frequently, which may indicate heightened alertness due to the novelty of the technology. However, during unexpected events, the blinking frequency decreased further in both driving modes, suggesting a similar physiological response to perceived danger.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration Serving the Future of Transportation

This research, supported by the BME Department of Automotive Technologies, highlights the unique value of interdisciplinary cooperation by successfully bridging the gap between technical sciences and human-centered research areas. The collaboration brought together experts from different fields: from SZTE’s Cognitive and Neuropsychological Department, led by Dr. Zsolt Palatinus, and the SZTE Institute of Economics and Economic Development, headed by Miklós Lukovics and his team, to BME specialists including Dr. Zsolt Szalay—head of BME Automated Drive and the Department of Automotive Technologies—and former colleague and doctoral researcher Henrietta Lengyel. Their combined efforts enabled the integration of complex physiological measurements with advancements in automotive technology.

Dr. Zsolt Szalay, one of the authors of the publication, commented on the findings:

“For the widespread adoption of autonomous transportation, technological innovation alone is not sufficient. It is equally important to understand how people react to this new technology, especially during unexpected events. This research proves that the integration of technical and human sciences is indispensable for the successful development and social acceptance of future transportation systems.”

ZalaZONE: A Safe Environment for Pioneering Research

A key element in the success of this study was the safe research environment provided by the ZalaZONE test track. This facility enabled the creation of controlled yet realistic scenarios, ensuring that the experiments were reproducible and that the results were both reliable and scientifically valuable.

BME’s Commitment to Interdisciplinary Cooperation

The Department of Automotive Technologies at BME remains dedicated to fostering collaborations between universities, especially in the field of autonomous vehicles. The partnership with the University of Szeged is particularly special because it brings together completely different disciplines. Involving human-centered research areas in the study of autonomous vehicles deepens our understanding of the social and human aspects of technological development. Ultimately, the goal of technical and technological research is to serve humanity and society by enhancing the quality of life. The evolution of autonomous transportation not only requires technological innovation but also its social acceptance, and studies like this significantly contribute to that end.

The publication in Scientific Reports, published by Nature stands as a testament to the success of domestic research collaborations and reinforces Hungary’s position on the global map of autonomous vehicle technology development.

BME’s Automotive Forensic Expert Education Program Now Offered Annually

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The Automotive Forensic Expert Postgraduate Program, organized by the Vehicle Technology Department’s Safety Technology Research Group at BME, is once again open for applications. Due to growing demand, the program—previously launched every four years with 15-person groups—will now be offered annually with smaller, five-person cohorts, ensuring continuous professional training and greater flexibility for applicants.

This four-semester, part-time program, taught entirely in Hungarian, provides in-depth knowledge in accident analysis, vehicle assessment, vehicle identification, and forensic processes, preparing engineers for expert roles in transportation safety and forensic engineering. Courses are held on Fridays, allowing participants to balance professional commitments with their studies.

The next cohort starts in September 2025, with applications open until July 4, 2025. More details, including admission requirements, are available here:

Safety First 2025 – Applications Are Now Open!

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The Department of Automotive Technologies at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics is proud to announce the third edition of the Safety First! team competition. This event offers a unique opportunity for students to develop innovative solutions addressing the current challenges in transportation safety.

About the Competition

The Safety First! three-round competition is designed to popularize the field of transportation safety and inspire students to bring their creative research ideas to life. Throughout the competition, participants will have the chance to contribute to the future of transportation safety with their ingenious solutions, while also building valuable connections within both industry and academia.

Competition Format

  • First Round (Friday, March 21, 2025 – 6th instructional week):
    Teams of three will present their proposed solutions to a selected transportation safety challenge in a brief presentation. An expert jury will evaluate the abstracts, which must be submitted by March 7, 2025.
  • Second Round (Friday, May 9, 2025 – 12th instructional week):
    The advancing teams will receive support from both industry and university mentors who will assist them during the development process. In this stage, teams are required to submit a detailed 6-10 page document outlining their concept and demonstrating its applicability, potentially backed by model-based tests.
  • Third Round (Friday, May 30, 2025 – catch-up week):
    In the final round, teams will showcase the practical implementation of their ideas through live demonstrations.

Why Participate?

This competition not only challenges your technical knowledge but also provides an excellent platform to expand your professional network within both industrial and academic circles. Additionally, our industrial partners, Bosch and JLR, are offering their support and will be present as award presenters during the final round.

Key Deadlines:

  • Abstract Submission: March 7, 2025
  • Application and Further Details: HERE!

We look forward to receiving your applications as we work together to shape the future of transportation safety! 🚀

#SafetyFirst #Innovation #TransportationSafety 🌟

Celebrating Dr. Attila Szmejkál’s 85th Birthday

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Dr. Attila Szmejkál, retired lecturer of the Department of Automotive Technologies, celebrates his 85th birthday. On this special occasion, the department’s faculty and staff extend their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for good health.

Born in 1940, Attila Szmejkál earned his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Heavy Industry in Miskolc in 1963. He began his academic career as a teaching assistant and later as an assistant professor at the Department of Manufacturing Technology at the same university. He then spent nearly three decades at the Institute of Manufacturing Technology (GTI, later ITI) in various research and leadership positions. In 1999, he joined one of the predecessor institutions of the current Department of Automotive Technologies, where he taught until his retirement.

His professional interests focused on machining technologies and tools, as well as the automation of manufacturing and measurement processes. He was particularly engaged in the technological challenges of adaptive control systems, the development of technological databases, and research on minimum quantity lubrication and dry machining. As an educator, he lectured on Structural Materials and Manufacturing III and Micromachining.

Through his decades of teaching and research, Dr. Szmejkál contributed significantly to the advancement of engineering education and mechanical sciences. On behalf of the department, we sincerely thank him for his dedication and wish him continued good health!

The Experimental Smart Highway Section of the M1-M7 is Now Gaining Intelligence: The System Has Entered an Intensive Learning Phase

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The sensor network construction on the experimental section of the M1-M7 highway has been completed. The system’s configuration and calibration are underway, laying the foundation for real-time data processing and the implementation of services that enhance traffic safety.

The smart highway project on the shared M1-M7 entry section has reached a new milestone. The completion of the sensor network by the end of November has enabled the start of the configuration and calibration phase. Fine-tuning of the sensors—such as LiDARs, cameras, and RADARs—and the synchronization of hardware and software are ongoing to ensure the precise and real-time processing of data.

Time synchronization among the sensors, during which their internal clocks are aligned to a reference clock, is being conducted with 100-nanosecond precision. The triggering process ensures that cameras capture images precisely when LiDAR sensors signal them, creating accurate and coherent datasets. Additionally, the spatial calibration of sensors is taking place to allow data to be interpreted within a unified reference coordinate system.

“The construction of the sensor network was an incredible engineering achievement, but it’s only the beginning—we are now working to integrate the sensors and processing algorithms into a perfectly coordinated system,” said Dr. András Rövid, the BME project lead. “This is an incredibly exciting phase, as the value derived from the data is already impressive, and the next steps will allow us to fully harness the system’s potential.”

Building the Digital Twin

The next major milestone involves processing and labeling point clouds and training AI-based detectors. This will enable the system to identify and categorize traffic scenarios, including the precise position, orientation, and size of vehicles. The digital twin model is expected to be ready by the end of February, followed by drone-based validation conducted by Bosch.

Enhancing Safety

The project aims to create a real-time system that not only increases traffic safety but also identifies the causes of congestion. Uniquely, it will be capable of detecting dangerous driving behaviors, such as passing on the right, sudden braking, or tailgating.

A Mobile Application to Support Drivers

In the project’s next phase, expected in April-May 2025, a mobile application in the pilot phase will be launched. The app will assist drivers with real-time, personalized information, providing updates on traffic events, potential hazards, and optimal routes.

Supporting Automotive Development

The smart highway project is not only aimed at improving traffic safety and efficiency but also provides a valuable foundation for research and development in the automotive industry. The sensor systems integrated into the infrastructure and real-time data analysis create opportunities for testing and fine-tuning new vehicle technologies, such as autonomous driving systems. The project serves as a unique platform for domestic and international automotive stakeholders, facilitating faster market entry for future transportation solutions.

International Comparison

This development stands out on a global scale, as a similar system exists only in China, covering a longer section. However, Hungary is unique in the region in its efforts to support data-driven traffic safety and efficiency through real-time processing.

“With this joint project, one of Europe’s and the world’s ‘smartest’ road sections has been created, enhancing Hungary’s reputation in the automotive industry. We provide opportunities for testing new technologies and automotive developments in real environments. This opens new horizons in traffic management and safety by alerting drivers to dangers beyond the limits of perception. We eagerly anticipate applying the pilot project’s results to everyday road operations and traveler information services,” said Máté Verdes, Head of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Department at Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt.

Setting a European Benchmark

The developments on the M1-M7 section not only enhance traffic safety and efficiency in Hungary but also set an example for advancing digital infrastructure at the European level. The smart highway technology places Hungary’s transportation system at the forefront, establishing a vital foundation for future mobility solutions.

The scientific development is being carried out by the BME Automated Drive research team in collaboration with Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt. under the Eureka Central System (2020-1.2.3-EUREKA-2021-00001) project.

Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year!

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Dear Visitors, Students, Partners, and Colleagues,

2024 has been a year of remarkable achievements for our department. Through our research breakthroughs, participation in international and domestic professional events, and fruitful industrial collaborations, we have continued to strengthen our role in shaping the future of mobility.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited about the challenges and opportunities it brings. We hope to forge new partnerships and bring innovative solutions to life together.

We sincerely thank you for your support, collaboration, and inspiration throughout this year.

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!