Cover: Alireza Ghods, Co-founder of NATIX Network
Who is NATIX Network?
NATIX Network is a blockchain-based project that uses AI to collaborate and build a global mapping, navigation, and real-time information system. Their dApp builds on a crowdsourced network of smart cameras and smartphones.
You can be driving down the road, earning money, and armed with the knowledge that you are contributing your data to further create and augment this unparalleled service.
Our recent report on AI and blockchain disruption explores this and additional use cases and implementation areas of this promising synergy of technologies.
Will NATIX’s innovative new use case disrupt the big players, such as Google Maps?
In just 11 weeks after the launch of the “Drive&” app, NATIX has mapped 3x more than Google Maps, 8.6x more than Mapillary, and 6.6x more than Hivemapper
– Alireza Ghods
Before we let Alireza tell you what’s special about the app and how it will revolutionize the geospatial data area, let’s cover the basics.
What is the NATIX Network narrative?
NATIX Network is on a mission to disrupt the centralized control of mapping and geospatial data.
Its distinctive method enables users to aid the platform in analyzing roads, detecting traffic and objects, and enhancing overall traffic data.
The exciting part: through its “Drive&” app, users can earn rewards while using dashboard-mounted cameras to map their surroundings and collect geospatial data.
Utilizing its DePIN AI solution, the “Drive&” app harvests data on traffic volume, signs, objects, and road conditions. This powers its dynamic mapping system, which is used for smart-city and mobility applications.
By collecting this data, users accumulate points they can redeem for certain rewards. Eventually, these can be exchanged for $NATIX tokens, the native utility token of the NATIX Network.
To gain further insight, we looked at its network model and benefits.
Unlocking the core of NATIX Network’s unique model
The NATIX Network model is built on the unique concept of three main aspects:
- Decentralized data: Instead of relying on centralized data collection like traditional maps, NATIX employs its users to contribute the data. This promotes transparency and keeps the map constantly updated.
- Drive-to-earn incentive: Its “Drive-to-Earn” model rewards users with tokens and other gratuities for contributing data. This fun, ‘gamified’ approach encourages more people to join, expanding NATIX’s data network.
- Real-time focus: Real-time data collection ensures users have the latest map information. This is especially useful for navigating traffic and real-time information, etc.
And this results in bringing NATIX Network several potential key benefits:
- Improved maps: With more contributors continually entering the network, NATIX is able to offer more accurate and current mapping information.
- Smoother and enhanced traffic management: Real-time traffic data helps manage and optimize traffic flows. This results in reducing congestion.
- Community mapmaking: NATIX’s decentralized approach allows users to participate in mapmaking. This creates a more inclusive, community-driven experience.
After digesting the concept and benefits, you might want to check out its short YouTube overview.
We wanted to find out from Alireza:
“What are NATIX’s challenges and opportunities in the DePIN sector, and how can you leverage them?”
“In our case, we experience a little friction compared to set-and-forget models. Users have to bring out their phones every time they start driving. So we tried to solve this by adding gamification and a ton of additional utilities to the app (e.g., Dashcam, navigation, and parking), so users are interested in engaging with the app for other reasons beyond earning.”
How does NATIX Network differentiate from the competition?
NATIX Network takes an innovative approach by offering both crypto and non-crypto rewards to incentivize further and attract more users.
Gamification features are also part of the user experience, such as missions and regional leaderboards for monthly competitions with rewards.
According to Alireza: “Since the majority of drivers (e.g., uber, taxis, trucks, etc.) are non-crypto natives, we took an approach that offered a wide range of non-crypto rewards through our marketplace. This gives us a new monetization opportunity (through affiliate programs) and also enables us to onboard those drivers and educate them about crypto.”
Of course, there are other similar projects out there. A good example is Hivemapper.
After delving into this in more detail, we found that NATIX Network came out on top and proved to have more advantages:
For example, NATIX does not require its users to buy any dedicated hardware; it has a unique privacy-compliant metadata system, and it offers real utilities, together with crypto and non-crypto awards. Furthermore, thanks to its edge computing technology (local on-device AI processing), the actual data consumption is minimal.
Its “Drive&” app consumes up to 99% less data than its competitors thanks to the Edge Computing technology(on-device AI processing). On a monthly basis, the “Drive&” app used 0.5-1.5GB, as compared to 50-200GB used by Hivemapper.
We asked Alireza: “Do you think that DePINs can benefit entrepreneurs and founders?”
“Crowdsourcing and tokenizing DePINs enables founders to build physical or digital infrastructure 10-100x faster than traditional models.”
“Then there is the DePIN flywheel effect. The network supply side grows, leading to more devs and end-users. This results in higher protocol revenue, meaning a higher reward for participants. So higher rewards mean more users will contribute to the supply side.”
Hence, there is a stable balance between the supply side (the users), who contribute to the demand side (data consumption). This promotes a self-sustaining economy.
Looking ahead: What’s in store for NATIX Network?
NATIX Network’s success relies on attracting a sizable user base and seamlessly integrating its data. It is already well on the road to accomplishing this.
It is clear that NATIX Network is well-positioned to disrupt the geospatial data mapping and information services sectors. And it has the opportunity to continue outperforming both centralized and decentralized players.
NATIX Network could emerge as a major player in the mapping arena, revolutionizing our navigation and interaction with the world.
Want to know more? Our report, “DePIN Brings Real-World Business Opportunities for Web3,” delves further into NATIX Network.