Interstellar collaboration: New dimensions of technology and festive creativity at the Hungexpo christmas event
With the professional contribution of Obuda University’s STEAM Office és a Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics, human creativity met cutting-edge technology at Hungexpo‘s special Christmas event. Guests embarked on a futuristic space journey where the Hungexpo building itself was transformed into a spacecraft. Departing from Earth and completing comprehensive preparatory phases, the ship reached “Planet Expo.” Throughout the voyage, an integrated Artificial Intelligence not only instructed and assisted passengers but also proved that, when combined with human ingenuity, technology can transport the spirit of the holidays into an entirely new world.
Sakura: The four-legged guardian of the technological mission
At Obuda University’s exhibition stand, the focus was on collaboration and experience-based technological demonstrations. The order of the spacecraft and the atmosphere of the programs were guarded by the university’s robot dog, Sakura. The lead academic organizers of the appearance and the professional concept were Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos, Vice-Rector for Innovation at Obuda University and Director of the Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics, and Zoltán Márton, Head of the Obuda University STEAM Office and the Hungarian STEAM Platform. As an iconic element of the university’s innovation ecosystem, Sakura combines the agility and intelligence of modern robotics into a dynamic, four-legged platform. Thanks to its advanced sensor systems and stabilization algorithms, it easily adapted to the bustle of the event, while Zoltán Márton presented the research and application background of the development to numerous interested visitors. The demonstration also highlighted how autonomous systems support human labor—ranging from industrial inspection to disaster response.
Digital manufacturing aligned with the event theme
At the university stand, visitors could observe the precision of digital manufacturing live, which culminated in the creation of an astronaut model to match the space travel theme. During the 3D printing demonstration, participants learned about the industrial significance of the technology and the speed of rapid prototyping. The presentation of complex planetary gears and mechanisms illustrated how engineering design and creative thought become a single continuous chain, inspiring future talents to seek innovative solutions.
Minecraft, VR, and labyrinth racing in interactive spaces
In the stand’s interactive zone, engagement and collective discovery took center stage. At platforms equipped with four massive displays, visitors could immerse themselves in the educational possibilities of Minecraft, Virtual Reality (VR) simulations, and a labyrinth race for autonomous robots. These experience-based methodologies effectively showcased the playful yet professional side of algorithmic thinking and engineering problem-solving, proving that technology can bridge the gap between complex sciences and the general public.
“We are grateful to have contributed to the success of this event! The Obuda University team—STEAM Office staff members Dóra Arany-Barna, Attila Fodor, and Zoltán Márton, as well as Panna Zsoldos and Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos representing the Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics—is proud of the results achieved and the professional partnership. This collaboration has once again proven: innovation and cooperation can truly conquer the future.” — Zoltán Márton, Head of the Obuda University STEAM Office and the Hungarian STEAM Platform.
