Coverage of the JSAE Expo 2026 NAGOYA. We are entering the era of “SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle),” where the value of automobiles is shifting from hardware to software
. It is becoming increasingly important to evaluate and verify, early in the development process, how software updates will change the “in-car experience.”
As a clear solution to this challenge, the SDV experience simulation platform “MESH (Mobility Experience Simulation Hub),” launched by CRI Middleware in May 2026, is attracting significant attention.We’ll explore the full scope of this system—which has generated significant buzz since its launch—as well as its integration with driving simulators for virtual validation and the latest content examples.
An overwhelming response right from the launch. A “flexible system configuration” that meets the needs of the field.
Demand for “MESH” has been strong, and the product has already generated a great deal of interest since its launch. The main reason for this is that the system’s architecture brilliantly addresses the urgent need—long expressed by various stakeholders in the development field—to “easily verify the value of a real-world experience at an early stage.”
This system goes beyond simply providing software; it allows for flexible customization of system configurations and implementation models to suit each company’s phase and needs—from early-stage consulting to development support for mass production, equipment loans and support from dedicated staff, and even equipment sales.Combined with the ease of creating scenarios using tools like PowerPoint without the need for programming, it is highly regarded as a practical solution that directly accelerates development speed.
A UX Simulation Platform for the SDV Era, Developed Through Industry-Academia Collaboration
To begin with, “MESH” is an innovative simulation system developed through collaborative research conducted as part of the “Open SDV Initiative,” an industry-academia co-creation project launched by Nagoya University.
The most important aspect of SDV development is not simply listing features, but rather “how users experience them and perceive their value.” “MESH” connects to actual vehicles via CAN communication, enabling verification from the driver’s perspective while the vehicle is in motion.By incorporating the expertise of CRI Middleware—which specializes in audio and video technology—the system provides a more advanced and rich HMI (Human-Machine Interface) verification environment that integrates instrument cluster displays, audio systems, and interior lighting.
Batch Validation in a Virtual Environment Through Integration with “SCANeR™ studio”
One feature that is drawing attention as a way to further unlock the potential of “MESH” is its integration with “SCANeR™ studio,” the world-renowned driving simulation software provided by MAC SYSTEMS.
SCANeR™ studio is an industry-standard simulator capable of realistically reproducing advanced vehicle behavior, traffic flow, road surface conditions, and more.By integrating this with MESH, it becomes possible to comprehensively validate the in-vehicle experience—including instrument panel displays, sound effects, voice announcements, and the UI—within a “virtual space” that mimics real-world driving conditions.
Even in the very early stages, before actual vehicles or hardware are available, it enables seamless evaluation of the user experience (UX) in realistic driving scenarios, thereby strongly supporting efficient SDV development with minimal rework.
“AI Radio” and “DMS Drive Supporter” for Personalizing the Car Interior
One notable example of content running on “MESH” is “AI Radio,” which utilizes popular character IPs such as “Zundamon.” The AI interprets contextual factors—such as the driver’s preferences and driving conditions—to create an interactive entertainment space where characters seem to speak to the driver in real time.This demonstrates the unique potential of SDV, where characters “grow” through software updates.
Also, the “Drive Supporter” feature, which works in conjunction with the DMS (Driver Monitoring System), is not to be missed.Using an in-car camera, it detects the driver’s gestures and fatigue levels, and automatically adjusts navigation settings or issues voice alerts at the appropriate time via MESH. The fact that entertainment and safety features operate seamlessly on the same platform speaks to the high versatility of “MESH.”
The Potential of “MESH” as a Bridge Between Software and Hardware
In the future mobility society, where autonomous driving is advancing and the ways people spend their time in vehicles are becoming more diverse, platforms like “MESH”—which enable new ideas to be quickly brought to life and their value verified in both virtual environments and real vehicles—will become indispensable.
By addressing the industry’s pressing needs and building an ecosystem around state-of-the-art driving simulators, this collaboration between industry and academia is shaping the design of next-generation vehicle interiors. We’ll be keeping a close eye on future enhancements to its capabilities and strengthened partnerships with automakers.
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