June 29, 2026
Human-centered technological development, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of the relationship between science and industry took center stage on June 17 at the JATE Club during an event organized by the VIRTUS Club, which was launched by the University of Szeged’s Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation (IKIKK).
Participants in the roundtable discussion titled “Industry 5.0, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Humans in Manufacturing” explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work and what role humans will play in the technological environment of the future.
The Department of Software Engineering was represented by Dr. Péter Hegedűs, while the discussion was moderated by Dr. Rudolf Ferenc, head of the Smart Systems Competence Centre of SZTE IKIKK. Their contribution highlighted the department’s important role in connecting software engineering research with real industrial challenges, especially in the fields of AI, smart systems and sustainable innovation.
A key message of the event was that Industry 5.0 focuses on cooperation between humans and technology. Rather than replacing people, AI and robotics should support human knowledge, creativity and decision-making – an approach that strongly aligns with the department’s research and educational mission.
You can read a more detailed article about the event on IKIKK’s website.