MRANTI Opens Malaysia’s Largest Autonomous Vehicle Experimental Lab

MRANTI opens the largest Autonomous Vehicle (AV) experimental lab in Malaysia today

The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), through the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology (MOSTI) Malaysia today has launched the nation’s largest multi-scenario autonomous vehicle (AV) experimental lab. Cordially known as the MRANTI AV XL, this state-of-the-art experimental lab will host a slew of testings and researches for both AVs and Next-Generation Vehicles (NxGVs), with the aim to further accelerate the development of Malaysia’s mobility sector in near future. 

Located within the MRANTI Park, the MRANTI AV EX will host various types of AVs for tests and research

Located within the MRANTI Park in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, the MRANTI AV XL comprises a 12-KM marked test route with an enclosed multi-storey car park, plus a digital twin of said test route for virtual testing prior to physical development – all connected to high-speed 5G network coverage.

Aside from that, folks at MRANTI are currently working 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.

During the launch, MRANTI also announced a strategic partnership with several institutions for eight AV research projects, which includes the University of Nottingham Malaysia, NanoMalaysia, as well as the Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University Singapore.

MOSTI Minister YB Chang Lih Kang (centre-right) and MOT Deputy Minister YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Habibollah (centre-left) are both present at the MRANTI AV XL launch event today

Aside from that, the agency is also working closely with other industry leaders such as the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), plus other regulatory bodies and relevant government agencies like the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to gear the industry forward.

This momentous effort by both MRANTI and MOSTI is also aligned with the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP2020), which includes the establishment of new AV test sites that helps to promote both AVs and NxGVs in the country.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) YB Chang Lih Kang

"This effort is supportive of the 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 YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The MOSTI minister also added that the MRANTI AV XL will play an important role in providing support to investors, companies and researchers alike to help the development of the industry and drive the future of mobility not only in Malaysia, but within the ASEAN region as well.

“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.

Newly-appointed CEO of MRANTI Datuk Wira Dr Rais Hussin (right)

Also present during this momentous launch was CEO of MRANTI, Datuk Wira Dr Rais Hussin, who said, “MRANTI Park is leading the way as Malaysia's first 5G-enabled innovation park, featuring a 5G Experience Centre. Being 5G infrastructure-ready means the park community, innovators and researchers benefit from communication efficiency (higher data rates, lower latency), connection density (reliability, availability and coverage) and position accuracy (higher user mobility).”