At the first Smart Mobility Day, we showcased an experimental electric vehicle and demonstrated how we connect a real car with a virtual environment at Brno University of Technology. At the Prague Exhibition Grounds on 19 September 2026, we introduced visitors to the technology that helps us develop and test modern driver assistance systems.
The experimental electric vehicle at Smart Mobility Day (photo: Institute of Automotive Engineering)
We use the vehicle and its digital twin as a platform for developing and validating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), driver monitoring and autonomous driving functions. Combining real-world measurements with simulations allows us to monitor the vehicle's behaviour and investigate situations that would be difficult or risky to test on public roads.
The experimental equipment includes a driving robot capable of repeatedly operating the steering wheel, brake and accelerator. By precisely reproducing control inputs, it creates consistent conditions for comparing individual tests and measurement results with the virtual model. This integration of physical experiments and simulations is an important part of our work.
Presentation and panel discussion
Our participation also extended to the conference programme. Josef Štětina gave a presentation entitled “Vehicle Dynamics as the Foundation of ADAS” and subsequently joined a panel discussion on “From Initial Interest to Specialisation”. Together with Jindřich Tesař and Petr Bouchner, and moderated by Vojtěch Dobeš, the panel explored the journey from an initial interest in technology to specialist education and professional practice.
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For us, these topics go hand in hand. The experimental vehicle gives the public an insight into our research while showing students how they can apply the knowledge gained during their studies to real engineering challenges.
Bringing research and the public together
According to the organisers' final report, the event attracted 2,358 visitors out of 4,670 registered participants. More than 240 people from over 30 companies, universities, research organisations and public sector institutions took part in the on-site programme. The event website received more than 92,000 visits during the campaign from May to September.
We would like to thank Valeo and the entire organising team for putting together the inaugural event, our colleagues at BUT for their work on the exhibition, and all visitors for their interest and the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. We appreciate the chance to present the results of our work and encourage interest in engineering and technology. We hope Smart Mobility Day will become a regular meeting place for the public, educational institutions and industry.
This work was supported by the project “Innovative Technologies for Smart Low-Emission Mobility”, registration number CZ.02.01.01/00/23_020/0008528, funded through the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme (OP JAK) under the Intersectoral Cooperation call.
A short video recap from the organisers captures the atmosphere of the event.