Brian McClendon
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Pokémon Go data was used to help train AI systems being developed for military drones
Data collected from the mobile game Pokémon Go is being used to train AI systems for military drones. Niantic Spatial, a division formed after Savvy Games Group acquired Niantic's gaming business, partnered with Vantor to develop a positioning solution for GPS-denied environments, utilizing ground scans from Pokémon Go as part of the AI training data. This development raises ethical concerns about the indirect contribution of players to military applications.
If you're still playing Pokémon Go, you're helping train data-gobbling GPS AI for Niantic Spatial
Niantic is leveraging data from its popular game Pokémon Go to train AI models for its spinout company, Niantic Spatial. This initiative aims to create highly precise digital maps of the physical world, enabling machines and robots to navigate and interact with their surroundings. The collected data, which users agree to in the terms of service, is being used to develop geospatial AI with potential applications for delivery robots, AR glasses, and even the military.
With over 30 billion images logged, Pokemon Go is using players' activity to train its spinout AI company to help GPS pinpointing: "I'm very focused on trying to re-create the real world"
Niantic Spatial, a spinout from Pokemon Go developer Niantic, is using AR mapping data collected from players to train AI for improved GPS pinpointing. This technology aims to assist delivery robots, such as those from Coco Robotics, in navigating urban environments where GPS is less reliable. The company has trained its system on approximately 30 billion images captured by players, addressing concerns about data privacy by noting that players are informed about data collection for mapping purposes.
Niantic Says Pokémon Go Data Now Being Used to Train Delivery Robots, as 'Getting Pikachu to Realistically Run Around' Is 'Actually the Same Problem' - IGN
Niantic is leveraging data from its augmented reality games like Pokémon Go to train delivery robots for its partner company, Coco. The company claims the spatial understanding required for AR navigation is similar to that needed for robots to safely traverse urban environments. Niantic Spatial has access to billions of real-world images collected from players to aid in this development.
