General Motors is getting into blockchain.
The company filed a patent that is going allow it to establish a blockchain mapping network for autonomous cars. This system will be self-updating allowing new data to be spread throughout its network.
According to the patent, the blockchain will receive the data picked up by sensors as cars move around. The system will allow multiple users to contribute simultaneously.
Individual routes will be continuously updated allowing several vehicles to benefit from the system. From General Motors perspective, this reduces the cost of having to keep updating.
With autonomous vehicles, it is obvious that current information is required. If not, the consequences can be devastating.
Blockchain use cases are certainly increasing. Unfortunately, in a situation such as this, we see a traditional company filling a patent so the technology is proprietary. This is the common mindset of today.
What really needs to happen is for a decentralized network that all feed into. Thus, sensors from a Tesla, Chevy, or Toyota all feed into the same system. This will provide current information to all vehicles, not just those of a particular brand.
Nevertheless, this is a step in the right direction. Naturally, there is no guarantee this design ever sees the light of day. Companies file lots of patents that end up being discarded for various reasons.
With the automobile industry is free-fall, it will be interesting to see if some of the paradigm shifts that are being worked on will be delayed. Some of the traditional automakers could be in for some financial difficulties if the impact of the virus is too severe.
The longer this goes on, the worse the situation is for many companies.
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