MAI launches advanced automotive technology centre

THE Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) has launched an advanced automotive technology centre called MAI Intelligent Technology Systems (MITS).
 
According to a statement, this centre is the first-of-its kind in Malaysia and is aimed at boosting product design capabilities and innovation within the domestic automotive components and parts supply chain.
 
MITS is set up to fill the technological gap within the domestic automotive sector, through a one-stop facility that integrates advanced software, hardware as well as technical consulting support for automotive parts design and development and system engineering works.
 
The system’s main hub is housed in MAI’s headquarters in Cyberjaya.
 
Altair Engineering Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of US-based simulation technology and engineering services company Altair Inc, will collaborate with MAI as the simulation technology partner for MITS.
 
Speaking during the launch of MITS on Aug 17, MAI chief executive officer Madani Sahari said, “In line with strategies laid out in the National Automotive Policy 2014, it is important that the industry’s technological edge is strengthened, particularly in the key areas of engineering design, prototyping, product validation and process development.”
 
Local automotive parts suppliers and manufacturers can leverage on this project to move up the product value chain, by adding local design and engineering into their present manufacturing base, MAI said.
 
Madani said that this was vital in order to create a competitive and sustainable intellectual property and talent pool ecosystem to position Malaysia as an automotive hub for Energy Efficient Vehicles in the region.
 
MITS is designed to serve the entire automotive parts and components supply chain targeting, mainly Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies.
 
It can play a key role in facilitating and helping these companies in their product design and development initiatives without the need to invest in expensive software, hardware and technical consulting services, MAI said.
 
“The Malaysian automotive sector is a growth engine for the nation’s economy,” said Altair chief operating officer Brett Chouinard.
 
“The next immediate challenge for automotive suppliers and companies in Malaysia is to move forward to emphasise product design and engineering works, not just manufacturing,” he added.
 
By applying simulation technologies upfront in the product design process, automotive design engineers will be able to develop innovative, weight-optimised products with better performance, according to Altair.
 
It also allows them to validate design and optimise safety and durability parameters, while reducing design cycle times, bringing new products to the market quicker.
 
Altair’s HyperWorks Unlimited solution which is installed at MITS will form the backbone of the facility.
 
Users will be able to undertake different simulation tests to validate their product design and engineering processes, including crash, electromagnetic, Noise-Vibration-Harshness and manufacturing simulation, while working closely with Altair’s experts in light-weight engineering and composite.