Southeast Asia’s superapp Grab has announced an exciting partnership with Natix, a project operating within Solana’s decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN). This collaboration aims to innovate mapping and autonomous driving technologies by merging Natix’s blockchain-based mapping capabilities with Grab’s advanced camera hardware and AI-supported mapmaking technology.
The partnership represents a significant convergence of expertise, leveraging Grab’s strengths in crowdsourced mapping alongside Natix’s unique DePIN model, which rewards users for contributing decentralized data. As articulated in a recent announcement, this synergy promises to enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of mapping solutions globally.
According to Grab, integrating GrabMaps’ AI-powered capabilities with Natix’s decentralized data infrastructure will facilitate real-time, high-fidelity updates across mapping platforms. GrabMaps’ team emphasized the potential for greater accuracy and responsiveness, stating that their collaboration is a step forward in achieving better mapping solutions.
Innovating with 360° Vehicle Imagery
As part of their partnership, Natix is set to roll out VX360, an innovative device designed on Grab’s hardware platform. This device will enable Tesla drivers to capture and share 360° vehicle imagery, which will be instrumental in refreshing maps and generating critical datasets for autonomous driving and physical AI applications.
“This rich visual data powers fresher maps and provides essential training and validation datasets for autonomous driving and physical AI applications,” GrabMaps noted, outlining the tangible benefits of their technological integration.
Transforming Data Incentives for Enhanced Mapping
Natix has identified the inefficiencies inherent in traditional centralized mapping methods, which can be costly and limited in coverage and update frequency. To counteract these shortcomings, they have developed an on-street camera network that empowers drivers around the world to monetize their driving data while contributing to the next evolution of mapping technology.
By incentivizing Tesla drivers through access to their vehicle’s camera feeds and offering rewards for sharing 360° imagery, Natix aims to enhance mapping solutions significantly. This pioneering method not only provides fresh content for maps but also includes mechanisms to address critical factors such as accidents, roadwork, and traffic signs.
Grab’s Expanding Footprint in the Blockchain Sphere
Grab’s collaboration with Natix further illustrates the company’s expanding engagement with blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. Earlier this year, Grab forged a partnership with payment processor Triple-A to enable payments using various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and the USDC stablecoin.
Moreover, with substantial backing from SoftBank, a well-known proponent of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, Grab’s commitment to innovation in these spaces is clearer than ever. Their recent financial report highlighted a remarkable revenue generation of $773 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking an 18% year-over-year increase.
This partnership not only represents a technological advancement but also amplifies Grab’s strategic evolution in a rapidly transforming digital landscape. As the collaboration progresses, the potential for enhanced mapping solutions and broad-scale adoption of blockchain technology appears promising.
