Researchers in Hungary have rolled out their vision for the future of surveillance, and it involves less wandering around with a flashlight and more autonomous, tag-team robotics. The HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI) announced on January 28, 2026, that it has developed a robotic patrol system that pairs a ground vehicle with aerial drones for a comprehensive security solution.
The system is built on the Husky UGV, a rugged, four-wheeled research platform from Clearpath Robotics. This 50 kg robot is designed to handle all-terrain environments and can carry a payload of up to 75 kg. The team at SZTAKI’s Systems and Control Laboratory (SCL) has outfitted the Husky for autonomous patrols, where it can identify suspicious objects, create detailed three-dimensional images for analysis, and, most notably, collaborate with drones. If the ground unit detects an anomaly, it can call in a drone to provide a bird’s-eye view, offering a multi-perspective assessment of a potential threat without putting a human in harm’s way.
Why is this important?
This isn’t just about replacing the night watchman. The SZTAKI project demonstrates a growing trend in “force multiplication” for security, where ground and air robots work in tandem to cover more ground, more effectively, than human teams alone. While the ground robot provides persistent 24/7 patrols and detailed close-up inspection, the drone offers rapid response and broad situational awareness. This collaborative approach creates a far more robust and data-rich security network. Plus, the robots won’t be tempted to steal office supplies or take unscheduled donut breaks.
