Hungarian University Develops Self-Driving Armored Vehicle
Széchenyi István University, in collaboration with Gamma Zrt., a prominent manufacturer in the Hungarian defense industry, has recently made a groundbreaking announcement on their website. The university has successfully developed autonomous and remote control functions for a lightweight armor-plated off-road base vehicle, which is a unique innovation in Hungary catering to military and disaster management purposes.
The development of this vehicle was spurred by the need to enhance the capabilities of existing vehicles with ballistic protection, aimed at safeguarding personnel and minimizing the requirement for human resources. The primary objective of this innovative project was to construct a basic vehicle capable of navigating challenging terrains, offering protection against physical impacts, facilitating system integration for self-control, and enabling multi-purpose applications.
Furthermore, a replacement superstructure system has been devised for the single cab, semi-platform 4×4 vehicle to support multifunctional tasks. This advancement allows for the creation of bodies with specialized professional functions tailored to diverse user requirements.
Initially designed for border protection and reconnaissance operations, the vehicle has garnered interest from various sectors, including the fire services. Dr. Attila Zsitnyányi, CEO of Gamma Zrt., expressed enthusiasm for the successful collaboration with Széchenyi István University, mentioning plans to extend the remote control and self-driving features to other vehicles in the future.
Acknowledging the university’s dedication and efficiency throughout the project, Dr. Zsitnyányi praised the partnership, emphasizing the importance of their role as Hungary’s primary developer and manufacturer of light armored base vehicles. He affirmed the intent to continue collaborating with the institute, inspired by the positive experience and remarkable outcomes achieved thus far.
This collaborative effort signifies a significant step towards innovative advancements in the defense industry, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of defense and disaster management capabilities in Hungary. With a strong foundation established through this partnership, both institutions are poised to foster future developments and revolutionize the field of defense technology.
