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As part of one of the world’s most significant science policy conferences, the World Science Forum, the Science Expo 2024 was held from November 21 to 23, organized by the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation. The event took place at the Museum of Fine Arts, where Obuda University’s Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics and BioTech Research Center successfully represented the university. The expo aimed to present the outstanding achievements of Hungarian science, research, and talent development in an accessible and visually engaging way to a broad audience. Several renowned universities and research institutes co-organized the event, highlighting the cooperation and collaboration within the scientific community.

Obuda University’s goal at the event was to showcase its latest scientific and technological advancements and provide an opportunity for those interested in science to explore the newest innovations. From the IROB Lab, the SlideBot robot, capable of handling pathological slides, demonstrated one application of robotics in medicine. Meanwhile, from the BioTech Research Center, the PathoVR system (www.pathovr.com), a tool used in digital pathology, was exhibited. PathoVR enables interactive viewing of pathological samples in a VR environment, and visitors had the opportunity to try the system live.

During the three-day event, a large number of visitors stopped by our stand, from the youngest to the elderly. We were particularly pleased to collaborate with the teams of Semmelweis University and the National Institute of Oncology to present our developments. Continuous presentations and panel discussions held in various rooms of the museum further enhanced the quality of the event.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the lecture by Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz, held on Friday evening. The talk attracted immense interest and drew a large audience.

On Friday evening, a gala dinner provided participants with an opportunity for informal discussions and exchanges of experiences. The event was a success overall, and our university proudly represented itself at this prestigious conference.

We extend our thanks to everyone who visited our stand and showed interest in the technologies we presented. We look forward to participating in similarly inspiring events in the future, where we can showcase our latest developments and jointly promote scientific progress.

The Governor of Gunma Prefecture, Yamamoto Ichita, along with a business delegation and representatives from the city of Takasaki, recently visited the Antal Bejczy Centre for Intelligent Robotics at Obuda University. The visit was organized by EIT Health and aimed to learn about international best practices.

Governor Yamamoto enthusiastically shared his impressions on his blog:
“Obuda University’s Robotics Center is at the forefront of robotics research, both in Hungary and internationally. It is involved in numerous European research projects and international scientific partnerships, standing out as a member of EIT. Their work in artificial intelligence and automation technologies is particularly commendable. During our visit, the researchers presented five distinct projects, among which the agricultural AI applications seemed especially promising for implementation in Gunma Prefecture. The dynamic presence of young researchers was truly inspiring, especially since this energy is unfortunately a ‘scarce resource’ at Japanese universities.”

Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos commented on the visit:
“The delegation was looking for international best practices that they could apply at home. We welcomed a highly engaged and active team who gained insights into the research conducted at the Antal Bejczy Centre for Intelligent Robotics, the startup ideas stemming from it, and the business model of Initium Ltd.”

The delegation was introduced to Obuda University’s research and innovation initiatives by Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos, Vice-Rector for Innovation, and Prof. Dr. Tamás Haidegger, CEO of Initium Ltd.

On October 22, a delegation from Times Higher Education (THE), one of the most prestigious and reliable global data providers in higher education, visited Obuda University. The delegation, led by CEO Paul Howarth, was in Hungary at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. According to Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University, the criteria used in the THE rankings play a significant role not only in comparing various institutions but also in shaping medium- and long-term visions and strategies.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is one of the most recognized lists of university rankings, comparing institutions worldwide based on education, research environment, research quality, industry links, and international outlook. The THE delegation was invited to Hungary by Balázs Hankó, Minister for Culture and Innovation, as part of a program that included visits to various universities, including Obuda University.

Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács highlighted that being ranked in THE is already a significant achievement for any institution. In 2021, Obuda University made its first appearance in the rankings, placing within the 1001-1200 range. He emphasized that this was already considered a success for the university. However, the results published on October 9 of this year show that the university has advanced two tiers, now ranked within the 601-800 range. “This is a tremendous honor for us, as nearly 3,000 universities were evaluated, and we have now managed to rise to the top both nationally and regionally!” the Rector emphasized. The most significant progress was made in the indicators measuring research quality, where Obuda University ranks first among the V4 countries. Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács also reported that he discussed with Paul Howarth the steps that led to the university’s recently published achievements.

In addition to the Rector, the university was represented by Botond Fehér, Director-General for Financial Affairs, Prof. Dr. Enikő Maior, Vice-Rector for Education, Dr. Viktória Sugár, Vice-Rector for Sustainability and Strategic Developments, Dr. Zsuzsanna Csepeli, Head of the Rector’s Office, and Emese Baranyi, Head of the International Relations Office. The THE delegation included John Gill, THE’s Editor and Chief Content Officer, Vicky Irwin, Senior Director, Magdalena Marzec, Regional Director for the UK and Europe, Yemi Adeshiyan, Managing Director of Global Events, and Mariann Veronika Nagy, Ministerial Advisor.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the university’s Robotics Laboratory at the University Research and Innovation Center.

On October 15, a delegation from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) visited Obuda University. The delegation, led by Dr. Seong Keun Kim, was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos, Vice-Rector for Innovation, on behalf of Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács. The discussions on collaboration were attended by Prof. Dr. Enikő Maior, Vice-Rector for Education, Erzsébet Veres, International Education Advisor, and Dr. Péter Galambos, Vice-Dean for Research.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos delivered a presentation outlining the history, current activities, and future goals of Obuda University. He emphasized that the university strives to deepen its international relations, providing students with more diverse opportunities.

The Pohang delegation, led by POSTECH President Dr. Seong Keun Kim, included Junki Ahn, Director of International Relations, Yujin Kim, Assistant Manager for International Relations, and Sungmin Park, Vice President for External Relations. In his presentation, Vice President Park introduced POSTECH’s activities, highlighting the importance of close collaboration with industry, universities, and research institutes, which greatly contribute to the practical application of their research results.

The Korean representatives expressed their strong desire to establish a long-term partnership between the two institutions. President Kim also noted that he would welcome the establishment of student exchange programs between the universities. In this regard, he invited representatives of Obuda University to visit Pohang to continue discussions aimed at laying the groundwork for shared goals.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Vice-Rector Galambos gave the delegation a tour of the University’s Research and Innovation Center (EKIK), where they visited the robotics lab at.

About POSTECH: Founded in 1986, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) aims to educate selected talented students to become global leaders of the future, equipped with high levels of knowledge and strong moral character, all through excellent education. Recently, the university was ranked 2nd in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) “2024 Best Small Universities in the World” ranking and is currently ranked 151st in the global university ranking. POSTECH focuses on providing versatile and specialized education to foster creative, ethical intellectuals and aims to become a world-class university through the continuous expansion of cooperation between industry and academia.

In the framework of a mini-symposium, the 4th generation da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system was introduced, thanks to SofMedica Kft., at the University Research and Innovation Center’s Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics, for research purposes.

The symposium focused on the research and clinical application of robotic surgery in Hungary. The fourth-generation da Vinci robot was brought to Obuda University for a short period of time as part of a “win-win” collaborative research project, during which surgical stress, fatigue, and ergonomics will be examined. In addition, there are also plans for future development, as explained by Prof. Dr. Tamás Haidegger, a researcher at the University Research and Innovation Center (EKIK), who gave a presentation titled “Surgical Robotics from an Engineering Perspective.” He recalled that, upon the request of Prof. Dr. Imre Rudas, the founding rector of the university, Hungary’s first medical robotics laboratory was established about 12 years ago, which has since become a regionally significant center. Under the leadership of current rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, EKIK enjoys central support, enabling continuous growth in areas that represent radical innovation.

He emphasized that the university’s leadership has set a strong course, focusing on robotics, artificial intelligence, medical technology, cybersecurity, smart cities, smart infrastructure, and renewable energy sources. At the Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics, led by Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos, these areas are approached from an applied perspective. “Ten years ago, an invitation-based tender led to the acquisition of the first-generation da Vinci surgical robot with a research system (DVRK) for the robotics lab. Today, fifth-generation robots are in use worldwide, yet the basic concept remains unchanged. This gives us the opportunity to make advancements on an earlier platform with our lecturers, talented researchers, and students, contributing to the work of leading research institutions globally,” Prof. Dr. Tamás Haidegger stated.

Dr. Zsombor Zrubka highlighted that the symposium provides an excellent opportunity to connect researchers, junior scientists, and medical professionals. He added, “For the researchers at Obuda University, it is crucial that engineering knowledge be utilized through the collaboration between industry and academia. Supporting young talent is a top priority for the university. We welcome interested and talented faculty members, researchers, students, and colleagues who may find the dynamic institutional environment motivating.”

As an invited guest from Semmelweis University, Prof. József Sándor gave an overview of the era of autonomous and robotic surgery.

Prof. Attila Szijártó presented robotic surgery from a surgical perspective.

Adelina Misi, representing the distributor SofMedica, illuminated the topic from a business standpoint.

The da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system is used in gynecology, urology, abdominal surgery, and oncology in several Hungarian healthcare institutions. Using this system, surgeons operate with four robotic arms that offer a greater range of motion than the human wrist. The system represents the highest level of minimally invasive surgical techniques, with several advantages, including faster wound healing, shorter hospital stays, increased surgical efficiency, and precision. Surgeons can see the surgical area in 3D with up to ten times magnification, allowing for highly accurate procedures. There are currently eight such robots in various Hungarian hospitals, where they are used daily for surgical procedures.

The worldwide market for professional service robots has reached $6.7 billion, representing a 12% growth rate by 2020. Sales of consumer service robots have also increased by 16%, bringing the turnover in this area to $4.4 billion, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) annual report.

The top five application trends for professional service robots were influenced by the extra demand caused by the global pandemic:

1. sales of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and delivery robots grew by 11% to more than $1 billion. The majority of devices sold are used in indoor environments, production and warehouses. The trend is towards flexible solutions, so that AMRs can work in mixed environments, e.g. with forklifts, other mobile robots or humans. There is also a strong market potential for delivery robots in outdoor environments with public transport, e.g. in the final stages of home delivery. However, regulations in most countries do not yet allow for the widespread use of such robots.
2. Demand for professional cleaning robots has increased by 92%. In response to increased hygiene requirements due to pandemic Covid-19, more than 50 operators have developed disinfecting robots that spray disinfectant liquid or operate using ultraviolet light. Often existing mobile robots have been converted into disinfection robots. Hospitals and other public places represent a major potential for disinfection robots. Sales of professional floor cleaning robots are expected to grow at an average annual double-digit rate between 2021 and 2024.
3. Medical robotics accounted for 55% of total professional service robot sales in 2020, mainly for robotic surgical devices. Sales grew by 11% to reach $3.6 billion. The huge increase in the number of robots used for rehabilitation and non-invasive therapy makes this application the largest medical application in terms of unit sales. About 75% of medical robot suppliers are companies based in North America and Europe.
4. The global pandemic has created additional demand for social robots that help, for example, nursing home residents to stay in touch with friends and family during times of social isolation.
5. Catering robots are also growing in popularity, generating $249 million in sales and are forecast to continue to grow. Demand for robots for food and beverage preparation has grown tremendously – with sales almost tripling to $32 million. The Covid-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the need to avoid contact with food.
   

The full article in English and German is available here.

Watch a television report from the IROB centre.

For an interesting article on robotics and the presentation of the IROB Center, see the link below.

The Gábor Dénes Prize Winners’ Club (GDDK) held its event on 23 November 2018 at the Antal Bejczy iRobotics Centre of the University of Óbuda (ÓU) University Research and Innovation Centre (EKIK). The event was organised around interdisciplinary areas in engineering and healthcare, from medical robotics to artificial pancreas.

The evening was opened by Dr. Ferenc Darvas, President of the GDDK, followed by a welcome address by Dr. József Gáti, Vice-Rector of Óbuda University. Prof. Dr. Imre Rudas, founding rector of Óbuda University, gave a short speech on the foundation and mission of the EERC, including the development of an institution with a college tradition into a Humboldtian citadel of higher education and research.

Following the welcoming speeches, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Head of the PhysCon Research Centre at EKIK, who highlighted the results of their ERC Stg grant in the field of cyber-medical systems, began with the benefits and current issues of digital health. The audience also heard about the centre’s cancer therapy effort, “Tamed Cancer”, under an ERC grant: a project that proposes personalised therapies that can limit tumour growth, allowing patients to live with the tumour in a controlled way. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the control aspects of the artificial pancreas.

The next lecture was given by Dr Miklós Kozlovszky, Head of the EKIK Bio-tech Research Centre. The centre is currently engaged in research around telemedicine and physiological data, including the use of motion patterns in telerehabilitation. The presentation highlighted the importance of continuous ECG monitoring in the prevention of sudden heart failure. The Centre’s achievements in medical imaging and image processing were also presented.

The last of the speakers was Dr. Tamás Haidegger, Director of EKIK, who presented the latest achievements of the Antal Bejczy iRobotics Centre in the field of industrial and medical cyber-physical systems. Special attention was given to the da Vinci surgical robot, unique in Hungary, which is one of the most important elements of the centre’s infrastructure, alongside the da Vinci Research Kit. The audience heard about research on the partial automation of surgery, which aims to reduce the cognitive load on the surgeon by autonomously performing certain subtasks. The presentation also covered surgical ontologies, machine-readable descriptions of surgical data. The Centre’s work on surgical education was also presented, including the production of surgical training phantoms and data collection systems for assessing surgeon skill levels. The presentation concluded with some reflections on standardisation and safety issues in medical and industrial robotics.

After the presentations, guests had the opportunity to visit and test the infrastructure of the robotics centre and see demonstrations of current research projects. They could use the da Vinci teleoperation robot in a simple exercise and see the KUKA LBR iiwa collaborative robot that autonomously performs ultrasound measurements on a breast phantom, aimed at increasing the success rate of breast-conserving surgeries. As an element of virtual reality-based education in industrial robotics, the centre’s Fanuc robot could be navigated through a maze controlled by a smartphone. Visitors were also able to see small, cooperating robotic arms picking out objects using an advanced 3D vision system. The event was followed by a lively exchange of views on the technical issues and the socio-economic aspects of robotics. The University’s Centre for Research, Innovation and Services welcomes students interested in research topics and is open to R&D collaborations with other leading institutes and industrial partners.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)