MRANTI opens Malaysia’s largest AV experimental lab

• Drive innovation in autonomous vehicles and next generation mobility
• 3-staged assessments, folding in data protection and cybersecurity

MRANTI through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) today launched the country’s largest multi-scenario autonomous vehicle (AV) experimental laboratory known as AV XL at MRANTI Park.

MRANTI AV XL is a centre of excellence for testing and research in autonomous vehicles (AVs) and Next-Generation Vehicles (NxGVs) designed to accelerate the development of Malaysia’s mobility sector. Following discussion with industry, government agencies and stakeholders, the experiential lab represents a comprehensive approach based on the principles of human-centred innovation and designed for co-creation, adaptability and responsiveness.

"This effort is supportive of the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020) which includes objectives such as the creation of AV test sites and promoting NxGVs. In addition, it is also an initiative that can improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the future. MRANTI AV XL which is the largest AV technology testing and verification site in the country," said Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

MRANTI AV XL comprises a 12-km marked test route and enclosed multi-storey car park, a digital twin for virtual testing prior to physical deployment, 5G network coverage and infrastructure for ultra fast data cellular transmission. Efforts are also underway to offer an AV simulator and the MRANTI Deploy AV-as-a-Service Certification which aims to be the base reference for the national adoption and deployment of AVs on Malaysia’s roads depending on the approval of the relevant parties. Offered to companies looking to test their AVs at MRANTI, this first-of-its-kind assessment and certification also considers aspects of data protection and cybersecurity and serves to certify the AV - as one complete system - is safe for public deployment.

“Our vision for this one-stop AV XL is to provide innovators, corporates, researchers, and companies the support they need to rapidly explore, test, validate and evolve solutions in a controlled environment. MRANTI AV XL is capable of hosting multiple scenarios at any stage of the R&D C&I lifecycle and by bringing these key AV players together on this platform, we hope to fast-track the development of the industry and drive the future of mobility in Malaysia and the region,” added Chang Lih Kang.

During the launch, eight AV research projects were announced with partners - University of Nottingham Malaysia, NanoMalaysia, and the Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University Singapore which manages the Centre of Excellence for Testing & Research of AVs (CETRAN).

MRANTI is working closely with industry partners - Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) and Futurise as well as other regulators and relevant government agencies to gear the industry forward.

“MRANTI Park is leading the way as Malaysia's first 5G-enabled innovation park, featuring a 5G Experience Centre,” said Dr Rais Hussin, CEO of MRANTI, adding that the park community, innovators and researchers will benefit from the high speed, low latency mobile communications environment in the park.

“AVs depend heavily on the ability to transfer data instantly and maintain uninterrupted connectivity to operate safely and efficiently. With 5G, the MRANTI AV XL is able to carry out advanced testing, development and research with an unprecedented level of precision and reliability that was previously beyond reach,” Rais added.