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Volkswagen ADMT, the automaker’s autonomous-driving subsidiary, volition root real-time street-level information from Bee Maps, a spatial quality work that runs connected Hivemapper’s Solana-based mapping network.
According to Hivemapper CEO Ariel Seidman, the concern “shifts mapping from static to living,” and that robotaxi fleets require data “that evolves arsenic accelerated arsenic the streets do.”
Bee Maps aggregates imagery from drivers who instal proprietary “Bee” dashcams and upload footage that machine-learning models construe into lane markings, signage, and impermanent enactment zones.
Participants gain HONEY tokens for each validated segment, giving Hivemapper what it calls “the world’s freshest representation data.”
Hivemapper, which records contributions connected the Solana blockchain, says its web present covers a double-digit stock of planetary roads and updates much often than accepted fleet-car surveys.
Bee Maps sells the resulting information done APIs that provender routing, localization, and curb-management engines utilized by logistics firms and, now, robotaxi developers.
The companies did not disclose fiscal terms, but Bee Maps’ merchandise lit indicates that it typically charges consumption-based fees alternatively than semipermanent licenses.
Live updates required
Volkswagen ADMT operates astir 30 ID.Buzz autonomous electrical minivans connected Hamburg streets and volition adhd “thousands” of units successful Los Angeles nether an statement with Uber that targets afloat driverless work by precocious 2026.
Each conveyance relies connected a sensor array comprising 13 cameras and 9 lidars that make astir 5 gigabytes of information per second. However, it inactive requires outer maps to localize successful adverse conditions specified arsenic rain, glare, oregon construction.
Bee Maps volition watercourse refreshed roadworthy features into ADMT’s cognition stack, allowing trial engineers to validate maneuvers specified arsenic curb-aligned pickups and last-meter drop-offs without dispatching manual survey cars.
DePIN momentum
The statement extends a inclination of decentralized carnal infrastructure networks, oregon DePINs, supplying information to bequest industries.
Earlier this year, Lyft began piloting Hivemapper feeds for ride-hail driblet zones, and logistics firms usage the API to emblem tallness restrictions and caller velocity limits.
For Volkswagen, crowdsourced updates could shorten the rhythm betwixt on-road borderline cases and bundle releases arsenic it scales the ID.Buzz robotaxi programme crossed Europe and North America.
No regulatory approvals are required due to the fact that the information transportation occurs off-board, the idiosyncratic added.
The station Volkswagen ADMT chooses Solana-based Hivemapper to powerfulness Robotaxi trial fleet appeared archetypal connected CryptoSlate.
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