Media contributions
2Media contributions
Title The AI model built on billions of Pokemon GO images Degree of recognition National Media name/outlet The Daily Aus Media type Web Country/Territory Australia Date 23/03/26 Description In this podcast, I discuss the emerging relationship between gamification, large-scale spatial data collection, and the development of artificial intelligence, using Pokémon Go as a contemporary case study. I reflect on how location-based games have generated extensive visual datasets of real-world environments through sustained user participation over time.
I highlight how player interactions, including the scanning of landmarks and navigation of urban spaces, have contributed to the creation of large-scale spatial datasets that are now being applied beyond entertainment contexts. In the discussion, I explain how these datasets are being used to train artificial intelligence systems capable of understanding and navigating physical environments, with emerging applications in robotics, augmented reality, and spatial computing.
I situate this within a broader shift in artificial intelligence, moving from language-based models trained on internet text toward systems that interpret and interact with the physical world. I also explore the role of gamification as a mechanism for large-scale data generation, demonstrating how user engagement and play can underpin the creation of AI training infrastructure.
The podcast further considers key issues related to data ownership, transparency, and the implications of repurposing user-generated data for applications beyond their original intent. Through this contribution, I position Pokémon Go not only as a cultural and technological phenomenon, but as an early example of how everyday digital interactions can support the development of next-generation artificial intelligence systems.Producer/Author Orla Maher URL https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SpRqzKqufxkQy3RAe154h?si=jwR3UtTIS1i7DhVAKsZzeA Persons James Birt Title The AI model built on billions of Pokemon Go images Degree of recognition National Media name/outlet The Daily Aus Media type Web Country/Territory Australia Date 23/03/26 Description In this podcast, I discuss the emerging relationship between gamification, large-scale spatial data collection, and the development of artificial intelligence, using Pokémon Go as a contemporary case study. I reflect on how location-based games have generated extensive visual datasets of real-world environments through sustained user participation over time. I highlight how player interactions, including the scanning of landmarks and navigation of urban spaces, have contributed to the creation of large-scale spatial datasets that are now being applied beyond entertainment contexts. In the discussion, I explain how these datasets are being used to train artificial intelligence systems capable of understanding and navigating physical environments, with emerging applications in robotics, augmented reality, and spatial computing. I situate this within a broader shift in artificial intelligence, moving from language-based models trained on internet text toward systems that interpret and interact with the physical world. I also explore the role of gamification as a mechanism for large-scale data generation, demonstrating how user engagement and play can underpin the creation of AI training infrastructure. The podcast further considers key issues related to data ownership, transparency, and the implications of repurposing user-generated data for applications beyond their original intent. Through this contribution, I position Pokémon Go not only as a cultural and technological phenomenon, but as an early example of how everyday digital interactions can support the development of next-generation artificial intelligence systems. URL https://youtu.be/S5C-4SLg8yA?si=c8ggJtZCFq0mEzCW Persons James Birt