Porsche test drives blockchain tech ahead of rival automakers

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Porsche plans to log opening and closing of car doors as well as temporary access.

Last year, the first Porsche Innovation Contest was launched, aimed at reeling in start-ups who would propose a blockchain application to integrate with Porsche cars. Berlin-based start-up XAIN (The eXpandable AI Network) took home the prize. And now the two are “test-driving” an innovation comprised of AI, blockchain, and IoT technology.

According to their press release, opening and locking the car will be much faster. All activities are recorded on the blockchain, and can easily be monitored through an app, instantly bringing security to a higher level.

“We can use Blockchain to transfer data more quickly and securely, giving our customers more peace of mind in the future, whether they are charging, parking, or need to give a third party, such as a parcel delivery agent, temporary access to the vehicle. We translate the innovative technology into direct benefits for the customer”, Porsche financial strategist Oliver Döring states in a press release.

Judging by Döring’s statement, the application is prepared for the ubiquity of electric cars and digital keys for granting third party access. Not only that—the press release also hints at bigger plans for when autonomous cars become mainstream.

“Through auditable data logging, the data to be processed is encrypted locally in a distributed blockchain. The user is in control of the data, deciding how to use it depending on the situation. All activities are documented in the blockchain, making deletions transparent. With this basis, the future of autonomous driving will see improved functions on offer: Local data can be used to obtain regional learning effects, which can be shared securely with other vehicles. The customer can make use of swarm data, which is protected at the same time,” the release reads.

Since a prototype is yet to be presented, we can only imagine what the supporting devices would look like. And while blockchain records are tamper-proof, we have yet to find out how secure the supporting devices will be. But one thing is for sure: there is a lot of evolution coming as different technologies collide.