Porsche Tests Blockchain In Vehicles

German automaker Porsche revealed their collaboration with XAIN, a startup from Berlin, aiming to test blockchain applications in vehicles, the automaker said in the press release.

In their own words, “This makes the Zuffenhausen-based company the first automobile manufacturer to implement and successfully test blockchain in a car.”

Porsche, a German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars, SUVs and sedans, has been awarded the title of “the most prestigious automobile brand” was always open to new forays – for example, its at-the-time questionable foray into the SUV market with the Cayenne in 2003. The implementation of blockchain is another way to add reliability and new options into an already respected luxury car.

The applications tested in this case were locking and unlocking the vehicle via an app, temporary access authorisations and new business models based on encrypted data logging. The press release also states that they do not intend to stop at this, saying, “This could be developed further, for example, to improve autonomous driving functions.”

Oliver Döring, Financial Strategist at Porsche, said in the press release, “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.”

Since all activities done in this manner are documented inside a blockchain in a way that prevents modification, there is an added layer of security. The press release further explains the benefits of this: “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 startup XIAN actually won the opportunity of working with Porsche by winning the “Porsche Innovation Contest” last year. The startup offers various blockchain and artificial intelligence solutions, with a particular focus on industrial applications.

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Video by Porsche about the new technology: