Grab Partners with NATIX to Create Global Real-Time Mapping! DePIN Photography Network Integrates AI Drawing for Instant Street View Updates
Grab Partners with NATIX for Real-Time Map Updates
On May 6, Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hailing platform Grab announced a partnership with the Solana-based DePIN project NATIX. The two parties will integrate Grab’s AI mapping technology and photographic hardware with NATIX’s global decentralized data network, transforming map updates from “annual” to “real-time.”
Grab’s Strong Mapping Capabilities Bring Hardware Expertise to the Collaboration
The maps used for Grab’s navigation and delivery services are built from street-level imagery (SLI) data captured by its own driving partners, representing a prototype of DePIN. Below are Grab’s two core advantages:
Hardware Strengths: Grab’s Custom Mapping Equipment
- KartaCam: A small camera installed on motorcycles or cars.
- KartaCam 2: A 360-degree camera that won the 2024 Red Dot Design Award.
- Dash Cam & Tesla Plugin: Integrates video recording, real-time GPS, and AI analysis features.
- Mobile App: General users can also upload street imagery using their mobile camera.
AI Mapping Technology: Leading Street Imaging Technology in Asia
Through its KartaView system (formerly known as OpenStreetCam), Grab can automatically convert images into usable map data, making it one of Asia’s leading street mapping technologies.
Above are the KartaCam 2, which won the Red Dot Design Award, and the KartaView image conversion system.
NATIX Creates the World’s Largest Street Imagery Network, Encouraging Global Participation via Blockchain
NATIX is currently the world’s largest decentralized street imaging network. Through its mobile app or Tesla’s VX360 plugin, anyone can capture and upload images while driving, earning rewards in the process.
Crowdsourced Contribution, Real-Time Uploads, Global Synchronization
The goal is to create maps for autonomous vehicles and robots, serving as infrastructure for the next generation of physical AI (DePAI), utilizing blockchain mechanisms to verify, reward, and incentivize every participant.
Grab Provides Hardware, NATIX Supplies Data and Reward System
Below are the respective areas of responsibility for both parties:
NATIX Provides:
- Global real-time imaging data.
- Decentralized reward system (DePIN model).
- In-house AI data processing and standardization services.
Grab Provides:
- High-quality photographic hardware, such as 360-degree cameras and vehicle-mounted lenses.
- AI mapping and real-time image recognition technology.
- Commercial infrastructure available for NATIX system integration.
Through this alliance, Grab will quickly access global real-time data, while NATIX will enhance its processing scale via Grab’s hardware and software capabilities.
Real-Time and Extensive Global Map Updates Will Become a Reality
Traditional map updates are slow and costly, typically focused on urban areas. However, the new framework from NATIX & Grab will make “real-time updates” of global maps possible.
Maps Will No Longer Be Updated Annually, but “New Imagery Will Be Available Every Second”
- Rural areas, urban regions, and even temporary road changes can be reflected instantly.
- This will serve as a significant impetus for autonomous vehicles, delivery, logistics, and smart city development.
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