Introduction: A New Era of Navigation
On September 24, the Fourth International Beidou Application Summit was held in Zhuzhou, showcasing advancements in navigation technology. Liu Zhenfei, Chairman of AutoNavi (高德地图), highlighted the pivotal role of the Beidou satellite system in shaping the future of spatial intelligence during his keynote speech titled “Beidou Leads the Way, AI Navigates.” Liu’s insights reflect how the integration of Beidou technology is revolutionizing navigation and daily life.
The Evolution of AutoNavi with Beidou
Since the launch of the first Beidou satellite in 2000, AutoNavi has experienced remarkable growth. Liu Zhenfei emphasized that the company has transitioned from offering a simple electronic map to becoming a comprehensive platform serving over a billion users with integrated services for transportation, lodging, and daily activities. The ongoing evolution is deeply intertwined with the advancements in Beidou, which has enabled AutoNavi to emerge as a leading application in the civil domain.
Massive Utilization of Beidou Technology
AutoNavi has fully adopted Beidou technology for navigation and positioning long before the recent surge of AI. Currently, the platform processes over 900 billion positioning requests daily using Beidou satellites. Additionally, through the AutoNavi Open Platform, businesses and developers can leverage Beidou’s precise positioning capabilities, creating a vast ecosystem of over 400,000 apps and nearly 3 million developers.
Innovation through AI and Space Intelligence
In recent years, the rapid development of AI has prompted AutoNavi to explore the possibilities of combining Beidou technology with artificial intelligence. Liu Zhenfei introduced the concept of spatial intelligence, which allows AI to comprehend and predict real-world complexities. This innovation aims to extend beyond traditional navigation and evolve into a comprehensive understanding of surroundings.
A Revolutionary Map: AutoNavi 2025
In August, AutoNavi unveiled the world’s first AI-native map application, AutoNavi 2025. This application embodies the leap from two-dimensional navigation tools to three-dimensional interaction, transforming the user experience. The AI assistant, “Xiao Gao,” can craft personalized travel plans by utilizing various intelligent agents and tools. Impressively, within its first month, the assistant’s daily interaction surpassed 1.2 billion calls, with more than 400 million monthly active users.
Enhanced Services: Safety and Global Reach
With Beidou’s global coverage and high-precision positioning, AutoNavi launched a satellite rescue feature that has already saved over 100 individuals. This reflects the system’s potential not only in navigation but also in ensuring safety and security.
Expanding Global Presence
AutoNavi is not just limited to China; since 2023, its world map has expanded to cover over 200 countries and supports 16 languages, including ride-hailing services in 30 countries. Liu emphasizes that Beidou is becoming a global navigation standard, allowing users worldwide to experience “Chinese precision” in their daily journeys.
The Future is Limitless
Liu Zhenfei asserts that the applications of Beidou technology are limited only by imagination. The symbiosis of Beidou and spatial intelligence offers vast opportunities for innovation. “At AutoNavi, we aim to leverage the power of AI and our ecosystem to enrich everyday life,” Liu concluded, pointing towards a brighter future for navigation and beyond.
