Millions of players who scanned landmarks in Pokémon Go have unknowingly helped train delivery robots through Niantic Spatial’s Visual Positioning System. The technology, which analyzes physical surroundings using camera data, allows autonomous machines to navigate urban areas where GPS fails.
In 2025, Niantic Spatial spun off from Niantic Inc to focus on real-world spatial intelligence. It now partners with Coco Robotics, deploying small delivery bots across Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Helsinki. These robots rely on ground-level visual mapping-built from optional player scans-to operate in tight streets and crowded zones.
Niantic confirms all data collection was voluntary and anonymized, with no connection to user accounts. Critics note the scale of data created by millions treating scanning as gameplay, calling it one of AI’s largest unintended datasets.
The fusion of gamified data and robotics marks a pivotal shift in how AI learns from human behavior.