Grab Partners With Natix To Revolutionize Mapping With Blockchain

Southeast Asia’s superapp grab has entered into a strategic partnership with Natix, a project within Solana’s decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), to advance mapping and autonomous driving technologies. This collaboration aims to integrate Natix’s blockchain-based mapping data with Grab’s AI-supported camera hardware and mapmaking technology. The partnership leverages Grab’s expertise in crowdsourced mapping and Natix’s unique DePIN model, which incentivizes users for providing decentralized data input.

According to the announcement, the collaboration will enable real-time, high-fidelity map updates globally. GrabMaps, Grab’s mapping service, highlighted the potential of combining its AI-powered mapping technology with Natix’s decentralized data network. This synergy is expected to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of map updates, benefiting various applications, including autonomous driving and physical AI.

Ask Aime: "Will Natix's DePIN map upgrades benefit Grab's AI-driven navigation?"

As part of this initiative, Natix will introduce VX360, a device built on Grab’s hardware platform. This device will allow Tesla drivers to collect and share 360° vehicle imagery, providing rich visual data that can be used to improve maps and train AI models for autonomous driving. The visual data collected will also serve as critical training and validation datasets for physical AI applications, enhancing the overall mapping ecosystem.

GrabMaps has previously collaborated with other partners, such as Loqate, Bing Maps, and Mappls, on hyperlocal location map-making technology. These collaborations have contributed to the development of more accurate and detailed maps, which are essential for various applications, including navigation and logistics.

Traditional centralized mapping methods are often inefficient and expensive, requiring significant investments to update maps. Natix aims to address this issue by building an on-street camera network that allows drivers worldwide to monetize their driving data. This decentralized approach enables the creation of the next generation of maps, which are more accurate, up-to-date, and cost-effective.

Natix’s on-street camera network provides drivers with access and storage for their vehicle’s camera feed, allowing them to earn rewards for contributing 360° imagery. This imagery is used to improve mapping solutions and power physical AI applications. The network also includes AI pipelines for extracting data from map events, such as accidents, roadwork, and traffic signs, enhancing the overall mapping experience.

Grab’s partnership with Natix is part of its growing interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. In March 2024, Grab partnered with the payments firm Triple-A to enable its clients to pay for services using five cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and Circle’s USDC stablecoin. This move aligns with Grab’s broader strategy to integrate blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies into its services, leveraging the expertise of its backer, SoftBank, which is known for its bullish stance on cryptocurrency and AI.

This collaboration with Natix is expected to further enhance Grab’s mapping capabilities, providing more accurate and up-to-date maps that can be used for various applications, including autonomous driving and physical AI. The partnership also highlights Grab’s commitment to leveraging blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies to improve its services and create new opportunities for its users.