{"id":23826,"date":"2025-05-09T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/depai-the-machine-economys-new-trend\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T12:00:00","slug":"depai-the-machine-economys-new-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/depai-the-machine-economys-new-trend\/","title":{"rendered":"DePAI: the machine economy\u2019s new trend"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In January 2025 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ces.tech\/articles\/2025\/january\/ces-2025-jensen-huang-presents-nvidias-latest-innovations\/\">outlined<\/a> the next step in the evolution of artificial intelligence. In his view, it should be physical AI (Physical AI, PAI) \u2014 a global \u201cbrain\u201d for robots and autonomous devices, enabling machines to navigate the real world.<\/p>\n<p>The blockchain industry picked up the idea, proposing a decentralised version. In February the analytics platform Messari <a href=\"https:\/\/messari.io\/report\/depai-ex-machina-decentralized-physical-ai-robotics-spatial-intelligence-real-world-agents-and-depin-s-next-frontier\">published<\/a> a report on a new form of interaction among people, machines and Web3 \u2014 DePAI. The notion of an infrastructure based on <a href=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/news\/distributed-energy-and-a-global-geodetic-network-what-lies-ahead-for-depin-in-2025\">DePIN<\/a> and a stack for developing a future \u201crobot economy\u201d inspired crypto influencer Miles Deutscher. In April he <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/milesdeutscher\/status\/1911751312997535907\">called<\/a> DePAI \u201cthe biggest trend in crypto for the next two years\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>This article explores how DePAI could help build a balanced future for people and machines.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nvidia\u2019s physical AI<\/h2>\n<p>At <span data-descr=\"Consumer Electronics Show \u2014 a consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas\" class=\"old_tooltip\">CES<\/span> 2025 Huang announced Cosmos \u2014 a platform for building World Foundation Models (WFM) aimed at revolutionising systems of physical AI (<span data-descr=\"Some sources use the wording 'generative physical AI'\" class=\"old_tooltip\">PAI<\/span>): robots and autonomous vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>Cosmos uses WFM to model real-world conditions, allowing AI systems to be tested. A controlled testbed reduces costs and speeds development.<\/p>\n<p>Huang noted the open nature of Cosmos, whose source code is available on GitHub.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe sincerely hope that the openness of Cosmos will do for the world of robotics and industrial AI what Llama 3 did for industrial AI,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nvidia.com\/en-us\/glossary\/generative-physical-ai\/\">Nvidia<\/a>, PAI enables autonomous systems \u2014 such as robots, driverless cars and <span data-descr=\"automated building and manufacturing control systems\" class=\"old_tooltip\">smart spaces<\/span> \u2014 to perceive, understand and carry out complex actions in the real world.<\/p>\n<p>Large language models (LLMs) such as GPT and Llama can generate human language and abstract concepts, but are limited in their grasp of the physical world\u2019s laws. PAI can complement them by training spatial understanding.<\/p>\n<p>3D data for AI are generated via high-fidelity simulations that serve both as data sources and training environments. The process starts by creating a digital twin of a space, for instance a factory, then adding sensors and robots. As sensors capture rigid-body dynamics (movement and collisions) or the interaction of light with the environment, real scenarios are modelled in the virtual copy.<\/p>\n<p>PAI opens new possibilities for many industries. In robotics, the concept can improve a range of unit capabilities across products:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>autonomous mobile robots<\/em>. Using data from built-in sensors, machines can navigate complex environments and avoid collisions in warehouses;<\/li>\n<li><em>conveyor manipulators<\/em>. Adjusting grip force and position based on an object\u2019s coordinates, demonstrating adaptive motor control;<\/li>\n<li><em>surgical robots<\/em>. Trained to perform tasks difficult for machines, such as threading a needle and suturing;<\/li>\n<li><em>general-purpose humanoid robots<\/em>. They need both gross and fine motor skills, and must perceive, understand and interact with the real world regardless of the task.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A PAI model is rewarded for successfully completing required actions and improves over time. Machines gradually develop complex skills, including precise motor actions needed for real-world use: careful box packing, assisting in vehicle assembly or navigating spaces.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DePAI \u2014 a Web3 stack for intelligent robots<\/h2>\n<p>The crypto community embraced PAI, proposing blockchains as an antidote to AI centralisation. In a February report, Messari analyst Dylan Bane added the word \u201cdecentralised\u201d to the acronym.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Own your robots.<\/p>\n<p>Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI) offers an alternative to centralized control of robots and the Physical AI infra stack.<\/p>\n<p>From real world data collection to Physical AI Agents operating robots deployed by DePIN, DePAI is well on its way.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MessariCrypto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@MessariCrypto<\/a> ? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ukskuYIG75\">pic.twitter.com\/ukskuYIG75<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Dylan Bane (@dylangbane) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/dylangbane\/status\/1889376299552297453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The acronym reads: DePAI \u2014 decentralised networks of physical artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<p>DePAI sits at the intersection of AI, robotics and Web3. It could power a future economy in which automation is balanced with human needs.<\/p>\n<p>What began as generative AI for content is becoming autonomous agents capable of making decisions on their own. The remaining step is to give them effective \u201cbodies\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Messari\u2019s DePAI map lists six main groups by activity.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-qw.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeobnivM2jz-oJlZKH4Zr8AsHz2uAjXrtuBgKzPTXDXfr6_uppqZPTjY7g82IIcb4zoKCW4r1CZqiXT0SiE3HuRZYry1woahKCbbEAa4JxyNED7n8XfVLgXFHXE_kRMPI0f4Qt7?key=8DEH2ijkFv9dsh8ovq6bqw\" alt=\"DePAI \u2014 a new trend in the machine economy\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The DePAI \u201clandscape\u201d. Data: Messari.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>DePIN projects such as the geodetic network <strong>GEODNET<\/strong> or the Google Maps alternative <strong>Hivemapper<\/strong> naturally slot into a new DePAI stack. The products of such startups can become robots\u2019 ears and eyes in the real world and in real time, serving as their data-collection layer.<\/p>\n<p>The startup <a href=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/news\/tokens-for-noise-and-a-web3-alternative-to-google-maps-the-most-interesting-depin-projects\"><strong>WeatherXM<\/strong><\/a> incentivises users to deploy personal weather stations and upload climate data in exchange for tokens. Such data can be used by devices within DePAI. For example, integrated smart-home systems could automatically adjust ventilation or temperature based on current weather.<\/p>\n<p>In robotics, the startup <strong>Frodobots<\/strong> uses DePIN to deploy low-cost \u201csidewalk\u201d delivery robots worldwide. The data used helps address the complexity of human decision-making in real-world navigation. Gamers can practise controlling machines in an accessible format.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-qw.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXc21MK4uDgjkGv280AU-16EQhBeZB7ogMP2ZeRo1PR6XyCW8vTBt-rh23kgFnD9NvJw-1RMaxv90OLoodMLz0-8ErVBYinFZ_9N8bz0lz3eTZy48UqCypKY_sKdvZ7wZvVJmk5Lfg?key=8DEH2ijkFv9dsh8ovq6bqw\" alt=\"DePAI \u2014 a new trend in the machine economy\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Remote control of delivery robots in a game-like format. Data: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frodobots.ai\/earth-rovers\">Frodobots<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Also in the mix is a company creating digital twins of physical robots on the Polkadot blockchain \u2014 <strong>Robonomics Network.<\/strong> It explores connecting robot operating systems and <span data-descr=\"Internet of Things\" class=\"old_tooltip\">IoT<\/span> devices with a blockchain to publish tasks and deliver services via smart contracts.<\/p>\n<p>Machine coordination networks are being built by blockchain platforms focused on DePIN \u2014 <strong>Peaq<\/strong> and <strong>IoTeX<\/strong>. Their high-throughput architectures provide the many parallel transactions DePAI requires.<\/p>\n<p>The Posemesh data-transmission protocol from <strong>Auki<\/strong> focuses on creating a global network of <span data-descr=\"Spatial Intelligence\" class=\"old_tooltip\">spatial intelligence<\/span>. It aims to ensure privacy and help build a virtual map for robots. Its functions are not limited to logistics and are also used for AI self-training in simulation.<\/p>\n<p>In investment DAOs \u2014 <strong>Xmaquina<\/strong>. The project focuses on creating a structure for collective ownership, management and development of costly AI robots. It allows communities and investors to co-finance and develop technologies while distributing benefits fairly.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-qw.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdL4Qj8HHatQR-VK0YPaicITiIp29rwNpfZ69zs2NdAv9rMoD2uC38PcIwMgYSB3E68Q9sPSYU4OdAbVs_2QC7fELlyAKgyQVyEQR8EyNIwYV169e-sociBDs9ucNsf-pMHdvjb?key=8DEH2ijkFv9dsh8ovq6bqw\" alt=\"DePAI \u2014 a new trend in the machine economy\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Xmaquina website interface. Data: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xmaquina.io\/\">Xmaquina<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a global machine economy, DePAI could, in theory, return power to people that currently belongs to corporations. Users already need to know who owns the technology, which manufacturer sets interaction standards and who ultimately earns the profits.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DePAI in the future machine economy<\/h2>\n<p>On April 14, 2025, the well-known crypto analyst Miles Deutscher called DePAI one of the biggest trends in the industry.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">New phrase to keep an eye on: DePAI.<\/p>\n<p>Will be one of the biggest trends in crypto over the coming 1-2 years.<\/p>\n<p>Stands for &#8220;Decentralised Physical AI Infrastructure Stack&#8221;:<br \/>\u2022 AI agents<br \/>\u2022 On-chain robotics<br \/>\u2022 Crowdsourced data<br \/>\u2022 Incentivised compute<\/p>\n<p>Will post my top picks soon. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JTioqfwJYz\">pic.twitter.com\/JTioqfwJYz<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Miles Deutscher (@milesdeutscher) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/milesdeutscher\/status\/1911751312997535907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The image attached to the post illustrates the complexity of relationships within the DePAI stack. The dynamics, shown as vectors, indicate the purpose of actions among infrastructure participants.<\/p>\n<p>The Peaq blockchain team, which is actively involved in DePAI\u2019s development, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaq.xyz\/blog\/what-is-depai\">highlights<\/a> seven components every autonomous system needs:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>hardware. Robots that let AI models interact with the physical world;<\/li>\n<li>software. AI agents \u2014 the minds of machines;<\/li>\n<li>aggregation and distribution of data for training and evolving PAI;<\/li>\n<li>spatial intelligence. Robots\u2019 understanding of and interaction with their environment;<\/li>\n<li>DePIN networks. Providing storage, compute and power for systems;<\/li>\n<li>the machine-economy layer. It unites all elements via specialised protocols for interaction between DePIN networks, AI and robots;<br \/>DAOs. Enabling people, communities and companies to own, govern and earn on equal terms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While most of these are familiar to the average Web3 user, the future machine economy needs explanation. By uniting leading crypto technologies, the model could deliver the following benefits:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>provide an incentive system that prompts robots to act in humanity\u2019s interests \u2014 based on decisions made by people;<\/li>\n<li>support global governance and open participation, allowing everyone \u2014 not only corporations \u2014 to be part of the economy;<\/li>\n<li>serve as a global trading platform;<\/li>\n<li>set standards and protocols for interaction among autonomous robots;<\/li>\n<li>open the way to decentralised systems for distributing prosperity;<\/li>\n<li>provide transactional and application infrastructure to create and connect decentralised applications and machines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The flipside of utopia<\/h2>\n<p>Like any new technology, DePAI faces serious challenges that must be solved before mass adoption. The main problems are:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>privacy and regulatory compliance. Using real-world data (faces, voices) risks breaching local legal norms. Even with ZKPs, clear anonymisation standards and data-use policies are needed;<\/li>\n<li>network and device security. Cyberattacks could cause physical damage via malicious commands. Smart-contract protection, encryption and built-in robot safety systems are needed;<\/li>\n<li>standardisation and interoperability. Devices use different protocols \u2014 unification is needed at hardware and software levels;<\/li>\n<li>scalability and infrastructure. High throughput, reliable blockchains and physical infrastructure (storage, charging stations) are required;<\/li>\n<li>governance and liability. A DAO may own robots, but maintenance requires centralised teams. It is unclear how responsibility should be allocated in the event of incidents or damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The vision of a machine economy that ends to people\u2019s advantage is enticing, but whether robotics giants such as Tesla and other corporations will take part remains an open question.<\/p>\n<p>Web3, with blockchains as its foundation, is likely the best solution today for implementing decentralised AI. DePAI, for its part, clearly sets out the benefits for all sides of future progress \u2014 but who participates will be decided over time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In January 2025 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang outlined the next step in the evolution of artificial intelligence. In his view, it should be physical AI (Physical AI, PAI) \u2014 a global \u201cbrain\u201d for robots and autonomous devices, enabling machines to navigate the real world. The blockchain industry picked up the idea, proposing a decentralised version. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23825,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"select":"","news_style_id":"","cryptorium_level":"","_short_excerpt_text":"","creation_source":"","_metatest_mainpost_news_update":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1144],"tags":[1751,438,1628],"class_list":["post-23826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-longreads","tag-ai-agents","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-depin"],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"views":"217","promo_type":"","layout_type":"","short_excerpt":"","is_update":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23826"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23826\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23825"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}