Ship or Die at Accelerate 2025: Lightning Talk: GEODNET

Imagine a world where robots and drones navigate with pinpoint accuracy, transforming industries from agriculture to autonomous vehicles. That future is closer than you think, thanks to GEODNET, a groundbreaking decentralized physical infrastructure network built on Solana.

Summary

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Mike Horton, founder of GEODNET, presented a lightning talk at Accelerate 2025, unveiling the project's ambitious vision for precise robot positioning. GEODNET leverages blockchain technology to create a global network of satellite reference stations, providing one-inch XYZ accuracy for robots and drones worldwide.

The project has already achieved remarkable success, becoming the world's largest precise positioning network in just two and a half years. With over 17,000 base stations and coverage for 80% of the world's population, GEODNET is revolutionizing industries that rely on accurate positioning data.

Horton emphasized the crucial role of decentralized physical infrastructure networks in scaling the adoption of robots and drones. He predicts that this "physical AI" market will become the first quadrillion-dollar industry, fundamentally reshaping the global economy.

Key Points:

GEODNET Overview

GEODNET is a service that provides precise positioning for robots and localization, offering one-inch XYZ accuracy anywhere on the planet (except for a few countries where it's illegal to operate). The network utilizes a simple tokenomics model that connects suppliers (those who run GEODNET stations) with users through a buyback and burn mechanism.

Participants can join GEODNET in two ways: by setting up a satellite reference station in an empty hex or by using a geo-pulse device for navigation and network validation. The project is backed by leading Web3 investors and is deeply integrated into the Solana ecosystem.

Applications and Use Cases

GEODNET's precise positioning capabilities enable a wide range of applications. The technology powers robotic lawnmowers, allowing them to map yards and operate efficiently. It enhances precision drone operations, including drone-in-a-box solutions, delivery services, and scanning applications.

The system also supports augmented reality experiences, providing accurate placement of virtual objects in the real world. When combined with LiDAR and cameras, GEODNET can create full HD maps, which are essential for self-driving car technologies like Waymo.

Network Growth and Validation

GEODNET has experienced explosive growth, becoming the world's largest precise positioning network in just two and a half years. With over 17,000 base stations, it is now two and a half times larger than its nearest competitor. The network provides centimeter-accurate positioning to approximately 80% of the world's population.

The data collected by GEODNET has been validated by reputable organizations such as the National Geodetic Survey and the USDA, confirming its high quality and suitability for critical applications like civil surveying and construction.

Partnerships and Government Collaboration

GEODNET has formed significant partnerships and collaborations. The USDA has installed GEODNET nodes and conducted studies to validate the network's accuracy. This partnership aims to enable precision farming for smaller farms, which traditionally haven't had access to such technology.

Horton has provided professional testimony on the value of decentralized infrastructure in bringing rapid and affordable solutions to the United States, highlighting GEODNET as a real-world, non-speculative use case for blockchain technology.

Future of Robotics and Manufacturing

Horton addressed the current dominance of China in small robot and drone hardware production, noting that over 90% of these devices are manufactured there. To address this imbalance, GEODNET is developing a reference architecture for a system-on-chip to power small robots and drones. This initiative aims to bring mass manufacturing of these devices onshore in the United States and other Western countries.

Physical AI and Market Potential

Referencing NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's prediction, Horton discussed the concept of "physical AI" - encompassing robots and self-driving cars. He believes this market will reach a quadrillion dollars, potentially by 2030 due to AI acceleration. This massive market potential is based on the fact that 70% of world GDP is tied to physical labor, which could be transformed by AI-powered robotics and automation.

Integration with Solana Secret Phone

GEODNET announced plans to bring its service directly to the Solana Secret Phone. This integration will provide hyper-precise location accuracy and trustless proof of location directly on the device. The service will include an SDK for developers to leverage these capabilities in their applications, along with opportunities for users to earn GEOD tokens through quests.

Facts + Figures

• GEODNET provides one-inch XYZ accuracy for robot positioning worldwide
• The network has over 17,000 base stations, 2.5 times larger than the next nearest network
• GEODNET covers approximately 80% of the world's population
• The project was built in just 2.5 years, compared to competitors' 20-year development timelines
• GEODNET has over 40 enterprise customers
• The project has generated $4 million in data revenue
• 80% of revenue goes directly to token buyback and burn
• GEODNET has a community of over 24,000 members
• The USDA has installed GEODNET nodes for precision farming initiatives
• Over 90% of small robots and drones are currently produced in China
• The "physical AI" market is predicted to become a quadrillion-dollar industry
• 70% of world GDP is tied to physical labor, which could be transformed by AI and robotics
• GEODNET service will be integrated into the Solana Secret Phone

Top quotes

1. "If you don't have a couple of robots at your home, I assure you within the next few years, you will have a few robots."
2. "Tokenization and decentralized physical infrastructure networks are the key behind the mass market adoption of robots."
3. "GEODNET is, in fact, the world's largest precise positioning network by a large margin."
4. "We've created this network in two and a half years, providing accessibility for centimeter accurate positioning to about 80% of the population of the world."
5. "The majority of small robots and drones, probably you realize this from bringing the news, but almost all of that hardware is produced in China today, more than 90%."
6. "We think that market for physical AI is going to be a quadrillion dollar market."
7. "This will not scale without decentralized physical infrastructure network."

Questions Answered

What is GEODNET?

GEODNET is a decentralized physical infrastructure network that provides precise positioning services for robots and drones. It offers one-inch XYZ accuracy anywhere on the planet, except for a few countries where operation is illegal. The network consists of satellite reference stations that track data from various global navigation satellite systems, creating a backbone for centimeter-accurate positioning services.

How does GEODNET work?

GEODNET operates through a network of satellite reference stations and user devices. Participants can set up reference stations in empty hexes to collect satellite data, or use geo-pulse devices for navigation and network validation. The system uses a simple tokenomics model that connects suppliers (station operators) with users through a buyback and burn mechanism, incentivizing network growth and usage.

What are the applications of GEODNET?

GEODNET's precise positioning technology has numerous applications across various industries. It powers robotic lawnmowers, enabling them to map and navigate yards efficiently. The system enhances precision drone operations, including delivery services and aerial scanning. GEODNET also supports augmented reality experiences and, when combined with LiDAR and cameras, can create high-definition maps crucial for self-driving car technologies.

How big is the GEODNET network?

GEODNET has grown rapidly to become the world's largest precise positioning network. It currently has over 17,000 base stations, making it 2.5 times larger than its nearest competitor. The network provides centimeter-accurate positioning to approximately 80% of the world's population, achieving this scale in just two and a half years.

What is the potential market size for "physical AI" and robotics?

According to Mike Horton, the "physical AI" market, which includes robots and self-driving cars, is predicted to become a quadrillion-dollar industry. This massive potential is based on the fact that 70% of world GDP is tied to physical labor, which could be transformed by AI-powered robotics and automation. Horton suggests this market could reach its potential as early as 2030, accelerated by advancements in AI technology.

How is GEODNET integrated with the Solana ecosystem?

GEODNET is deeply integrated into the Solana ecosystem and is backed by leading Web3 investors. The project leverages Solana's blockchain technology for its tokenomics and network operations. Additionally, GEODNET has announced plans to bring its service directly to the Solana Secret Phone, providing hyper-precise location accuracy and trustless proof of location on the device, along with opportunities for users to earn GEOD tokens through quests.

What partnerships has GEODNET established?

GEODNET has formed significant partnerships, notably with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The USDA has installed GEODNET nodes and conducted studies to validate the network's accuracy. This collaboration aims to enable precision farming for smaller farms, democratizing access to advanced agricultural technologies. GEODNET has also provided testimony on the value of decentralized infrastructure to U.S. government bodies, highlighting its real-world applications of blockchain technology.

How does GEODNET plan to address the dominance of Chinese manufacturing in robotics?

To counter the current dominance of Chinese manufacturing in small robots and drones, GEODNET is developing a reference architecture for a system-on-chip specifically designed to power these devices. This initiative aims to bring mass manufacturing of robots and drones onshore in the United States and other Western countries, potentially reshaping the global supply chain for these technologies.