Though Niantic, the game’s developer, is starting fresh conversations about the direction of spatial computing, the fun universe of Pokemon Go seems improbable for military use. Using information gathered from its players, the company’s recently revealed Large Geospatial Model (LGM) creates a very finely detailed artificial intelligence map of the physical world.
Although the technology is being hailed for uses in augmented reality (AR), robotics, and content production, some are voicing worries about its possible military usage according a 404 Media story.
Brian McClendon, Senior Vice President of Engineering for Niantic, discussed LGM operations and potential ramifications at the Belling fest event on November 14. McClendon brings great knowledge to the table as co-creator of Google Earth and Street View.
He had reservations regarding the application of this technology in improving warfare, but he did not rule out governments or armies buying it. Niantic’s position on the moral connotations of such applications is still carefully noncommittal.
Describes Niantic’s Large Geospatial Model
Like Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT process and generate human language, Niantic’s LGM is a modern artificial intelligence model meant to map and interpret physical locations in new ways. Potential future spatial intelligence operating system, the LGM seeks to run wearable AR devices, robots, and autonomous systems.
Data gathered via Niantic’s games like Pokemon Go forms the basis of this ambitious idea. By freely using game features like Pokemon Playgrounds, players donate scans of public areas, such parks or monuments. These tools let users virtually install Pokemon at designated areas where others might view and interact with them. Niantic underlines that taking part in these scans is totally voluntary and meant to provide fresh AR experiences for its consumers.
Military interest generates discussion
Former British Army commander and current analyst Nick Waters underlined at the event how valuable the LGM may be for military uses. According to the 404 Media article McClendon said that although Niantic could see selling its technology to governments or military forces, ethical issues would play a major part. It could be okay if the usage of the technology corresponds with consumer uses; but, if it increases military operations, major questions would be raised.
Niantic says the LGM is still in its early phases and any possible deals would be carefully reviewed, hence she has not absolutely ruled out these sales. Like any artificial intelligence technology, careful handling of these problems would be absolutely crucial, a spokesman noted.
Player-driven data forms the foundation of LGM
LGM’s evolution builds on Niantic’s already-mapped 10 million sites worldwide Lightship Visual Positioning System (VPS). These player-contributed scans are especially important since they show settings from a pedestrian viewpoint, usually unreachable to cars. Although Niantic has past rewarded players for scanning chores, new additions like Pokemon Playgrounds have not provided incentives, which results in mixed reception from certain users.
The LGM project’s potential is great but divisive as it develops. Whether it molds AR’s future or gets caught in military uses, the lighthearted data created by Pokemon Go users is showing to have major consequences.
