In Local News, Technology / By Mick Chan / 14 August 2018 7:34 pm / 12 comments

Go Automobile Manufacturing and SIRIM signed a memorandum of understanding today for a long-term strategic collaboration and partnership between the two parties. The memorandum was signed by executive director of Go Auto Group, Datuk SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal on behalf of Go Automobile Manufacturing and president and group CEO of SIRIM, Prof Ir Dr Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani.

Among the areas of collaboration between SIRIM and Go Auto are the development and improvement of lithium-ion-based rechargeable batteries towards their eventual replacement of lead-acid batteries in the automotive market, as well as the development of green and connected vehicle technologies.

Other areas also include the development of Industry 4.0 technologies such as rapid prototyping and 3D-printing, Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices, as well as vehicle type approval testing facilities in e-mobility as required by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

“Go Auto is thrilled with the collaboration with SIRIM, as they have over 40 years of experience and expertise in research and technology development in the nation. Their advantages in the field of research and development, in addition to ensuring industry standards and quality makes them our idyllic partner,” said Datuk Azli.

Sodium-ion batteries are also being explored for the future beyond usage of lithium-ion batteries, as the former has been identified as an attractive alternative because this type of battery is made from raw materials that are more affordable, abundant and less toxic compared to the rare earth-based lithium-ion batteries.

Connected vehicle technology is also an area that will see collaborative work between SIRIM and Go Auto. This will entail the undertaking of R&D as well as the development of applications which use wireless communications to provide connectivity between all vehicle types (car-to-car), between vehicles and infrastructure (car-to-X) and among vehicles, infrastructure and wireless consumer devices.

In the area of Industry 4.0 technologies such as rapid prototyping and 3D printing, Go Auto will leverage upon SIRIM’s facilities and engineering capabilities in order to provide engineering design, analysis and 3D printing services for MARA TVET students preparing for their final-year projects.

“The collaboration is timely in supporting the government’s aspirations and efforts in transforming the Malaysian businesses to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0. We aspire to leverage the SIRIM SME Development Programme and to champion the pillars of Industry 4.0 in the area of additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing and Internet of Things (IoT) devices,” said Ahmad Fadzil.