Space Travel, Robots, Rockets and Virtual Reality: EKIK’s Programs Once Again Proved a Great Success at Researchers’ Night

The University Research and Innovation Center (EKIK) of Obuda University once again participated in Researchers’ Night with a wide range of spectacular and interactive programs. Visitors had the opportunity to explore some of the most exciting developments in robotics, space research, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy technologies at the university’s Bécsi Road campus.

EKIK offered a total of nine different programs to visitors. Several activities were held in multiple sessions, allowing participants to join throughout the afternoon and evening. During the event, several hundred visitors attended the demonstrations, presentations and interactive activities organized by EKIK.

Three programs attracted particularly high levels of interest. The most popular was “Countdown Begins – Space Quiz on Kahoot!”, organized by the SpaceLab Research Center, where participants could test their knowledge of space exploration in a fun and competitive environment. The 22-question quiz attracted enthusiastic children and adults in every session, while small prizes added to the excitement of the competition.

Another highly popular activity was “Step into the Shoes of a Humanoid Robot!”, organized by the Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics (BARK). Using VR headsets and handheld controllers, participants were able to control the arms of a Unitree G1 humanoid robot in real time. The experience also provided a firsthand insight into how researchers collect motion data needed to train modern robotic systems.

The third most popular program was also organized by BARK, under the title “Pass the Ball to the Quadruped Robot!”. Through an interactive game, visitors discovered how an AI-powered robotic dog perceives its surroundings and tracks a moving ball. Observing the behavior of the four-legged robot proved to be a particularly memorable experience for younger participants.

The developments presented by the SpaceLab Research Center also attracted considerable attention. Visitors learned about the work of the EVRST student rocketry team and gained insight into the development of a rover designed for future lunar missions. These demonstrations offered a fascinating glimpse into the space research and space industry innovations taking place at the university.

Visitors also had the opportunity to try PathoVR, a virtual reality-based healthcare application developed by the BioTech Research Center. Meanwhile, those interested in energy technologies attended a presentation by the Hydrogen and Hybrid Technologies Research Center, exploring the future-shaping relationship between solar energy and hydrogen technologies.

The research centers’ programs clearly demonstrated that innovation plays a key role in EKIK’s research activities not only in space exploration, but also in healthcare and sustainable energy technologies.

This year’s Researchers’ Night once again demonstrated that cutting-edge research truly comes to life when visitors have the opportunity to experience it firsthand. EKIK’s programs combined engaging entertainment with valuable insights into the technologies of the future, from robotics and space exploration to healthcare innovations and sustainable energy sources. The event’s success was reflected in the high number of visitors and the consistently strong interest in the programs throughout the evening.