How armies are planning to use Pokemon Go’s data to train geospatial AI model for urban combat

The playful world of Pokemon Go might seem an unlikely candidate for military use, but Niantic, the game’s creator, is opening up new discussions about the future of spatial computing. The company’s newly announced Large Geospatial Model (LGM) uses data collected from its players to build a highly detailed AI map of the physical world.

While the technology is being touted for applications in augmented reality (AR), robotics, and content creation, some are raising concerns about its potential military use, as per a report by 404 Media.

At the Bellingfest event on 14 November, Brian McClendon, Niantic’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, explained the workings of the LGM and its future implications. As the co-creator of Google Earth and Street View, McClendon brings considerable expertise to the table.

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He didn’t rule out the possibility of governments or militaries purchasing this technology but expressed concerns about its use in enhancing warfare. Niantic’s stance on the ethical implications of such uses remains cautiously noncommittal.

What is Niantic’s Large Geospatial Model?

Niantic’s LGM is a cutting-edge AI model designed to map and understand physical spaces in new ways, similar to how Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT process and generate human language. The LGM aims to power wearable AR tech, robotics, and autonomous systems, potentially becoming a “spatial intelligence operating system” for the future.

This ambitious model relies on data collected through Niantic’s games like Pokemon Go. Players contribute scans of public spaces, such as parks or monuments, by voluntarily using game features like Pokemon Playgrounds. These features allow players to place virtual Pokemon at specific locations, which others can see and interact with. Niantic emphasises that participation in these scans is entirely optional and geared towards creating new AR experiences for its users.

Military interest sparks debate

During the event, Nick Waters, a former British Army officer and current analyst, highlighted how useful the LGM could be for military applications. He questioned whether Niantic envisioned selling its technology to governments or armed forces, as per the 404 Media report McClendon admitted that such sales were conceivable but clarified that ethical considerations would play a crucial role. If the technology’s use aligns with consumer applications, it might be acceptable, but if it amplifies military operations, that would raise significant concerns.

Niantic has not definitively ruled out these sales, stating that the LGM is still in its early stages and any potential deals would be carefully considered. A spokesperson underlined that, like any AI technology, thoughtful handling of these issues would be paramount.

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Player-driven data: The backbone of LGM

The development of LGM builds upon Niantic’s existing Lightship Visual Positioning System (VPS), which has already mapped 10 million locations globally. These player-contributed scans are uniquely valuable as they capture environments from a pedestrian perspective, often inaccessible to vehicles. While Niantic has previously rewarded players for scanning tasks, recent features like Pokemon Playgrounds have not offered incentives, leading to lukewarm reception from some users.

As the LGM project progresses, its potential remains vast but controversial. Whether it shapes the future of AR or becomes entangled in military applications, the playful data generated by Pokemon Go players is proving to have serious implications.