The University of Szeged’s Faculty of Engineering has expanded its robotics capabilities with high-tech equipment acquired in close collaboration with SZTE’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK). The new Unitree G1 humanoid robot and Unitree Go2 robotic dog will enrich hands-on engineering education and strengthen research and development activities across SZTE, further enhancing the University’s international competitiveness.
Two advanced robotic systems have recently been introduced at the Faculty of Engineering: a Unitree G1 humanoid robot and a Unitree Go2 robotic dog. The acquisition and the expert planning that preceded the initiative drew on the support of SZTE IKIKK and the Faculty’s expertise, reflecting close collaboration across the University. Integrated into engineering education, the two robotic systems will give students first-hand experience with the latest applications of Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence, from autonomous navigation and motion control to machine vision.
The humanoid robot opens up new possibilities for research into human–machine collaboration, complex motion coordination, and bio-inspired robotics. Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
Highlighting the opportunities the new robots offer, Prof. Dr. József Sárosi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at SZTE, said: “The arrival of the Unitree G1 humanoid robot and the Go2 robotic dog marks a milestone for our faculty. These are far more than demonstration tools: as open research platforms, they will enable our students and researchers to test state-of-the-art algorithms, AI applications, and industrial automation solutions. This investment places us at the forefront of international robotics research while equipping the next generation of engineers with practical expertise that is highly valued by employers in Hungary and around the world.”
SZTE faculty members and researchers in related fields can actively contribute to research involving the new robotic systems. Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
Together, the two robots offer complementary capabilities for research and innovation. With its advanced LiDAR sensors and high mobility, the robotic dog is particularly well suited to collecting data in challenging terrain, testing industrial innovations, and exploring autonomous navigation. The humanoid robot, meanwhile, creates new opportunities for research into human–machine collaboration, complex motion coordination, and bio-inspired robotics.
These capabilities will support a wide range of cross-faculty R&D projects, from real-time testing of AI and machine-learning algorithms to logistics and metrology modeling for autonomous systems and industrial applications. They will also open up new avenues for collaboration with other SZTE faculties in information technology, physics, and medical technology.
The new robotics infrastructure marks a major step forward for the Faculty of Engineering and enriches SZTE’s entire research community. More broadly, the multidisciplinary collaboration it supports will help strengthen connections across the University’s extensive research network.
In keeping with the Faculty of Engineering’s long-standing commitment to collaboration among faculties, the robotic systems will also be accessible to faculty members and researchers from across SZTE, enabling specialists in related fields to use them in their own research. By facilitating the sharing of resources and expertise, this approach will help expand SZTE’s knowledge base and contribute to the development of Hungary’s innovation ecosystem.
This investment in robotics marks just the first milestone, with further state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies set to follow in the near future. Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
Looking ahead, SZTE will build on this latest investment as part of its strategy to advance robotics and continually modernize its research infrastructure. The University plans to introduce further advanced equipment and technologies in the near future, expanding the possibilities for both education and research. This sustained commitment to innovation will further strengthen SZTE’s position as a leading center for robotics research in Hungary and enhance its presence internationally.
Ádám Kovács-Jerney
