Niantic Launches Scaniverse Platform for AI and Robotics-Ready 3D Mapping

Niantic has introduced Scaniverse, a platform designed to create machine-readable 3D maps using data captured from smartphones, 360-degree cameras, and drones. The company is positioning the service as infrastructure for the next generation of AI systems and autonomous robots. The platform allows individuals and enterprises to generate detailed spatial models of physical environments. Niantic has aggregated millions of location scans contributed by users of its games, creating one of the largest repositories of geospatial data available to developers. Scaniverse represents a commercialization of the technology underlying Niantic's augmented reality applications. The company intends to license the mapping capabilities to robotics manufacturers, logistics operators, and other industries requiring precise environmental data. The announcement reflects growing investment in spatial computing infrastructure. Accurate 3D maps are considered essential for autonomous navigation, warehouse automation, and mixed reality applications. Niantic is offering the platform through a subscription model with tiered pricing based on data volume and processing requirements. The company faces competition from established mapping providers and emerging startups focused on digital twin technology.