DePAI: When Robotics Meets Web3, Can a New Narrative Begin?

Original Article Title: What is DePAI (Decentralized Physical AI)?

Original Article Author: peaq

Original Article Translation: Deep Tide TechFlow

NVIDIA introduced the concept of "Physical AI" at CES. Today, "Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI)" has become a hot topic in the crypto industry. So, what is DePAI? What is its connection to robotics? What conditions do these robots need to operate as decentralized physical AI in the machine economy proposed by peaq?

DePAI: When C3PO Meets Web3

Another new term has emerged. DePAI, short for Decentralized Physical AI, has recently become a focal point in the crypto industry. This concept was introduced by Messari, and prior to this, NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang first promoted the concept of "Physical AI" at CES in January 2025. The new term DePAI has sparked extensive discussions within the industry and is indeed worth paying attention to.

DePAI is a concept that integrates AI, robotics, Web3, and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) among other cutting-edge technological fields. It organically combines these emerging fields into a powerful new paradigm. This integration not only showcases the synergistic potential of these technologies but also heralds that they will jointly drive industry transformation and fundamentally alter the operation of the global economy.

So, why should you pay attention to it? If you are a member of the workforce, you may already be concerned about the trend of robots and AI replacing human work. The emergence of DePAI is a solution to address these potential challenges. It is expected to become a key driver of the future global economy, providing us with a way to deal with and mitigate the disruptive impact of AI.

But what exactly is DePAI? How does it differ from traditional physical AI (i.e., robotics)? Why is it so important?

Let's dive deeper into it.

What is DePAI?

Literally, "Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI)" doesn't seem to be a brand-new concept. After all, the technology of a decentralized physical hardware network providing computational power for AI models already exists. However, DePAI is not limited to just decentralized computing power; its significance goes far beyond.

DePAI is a broader concept involving real-world machine devices, particularly robots, utilizing artificial intelligence technology to achieve survival and development in the real world. All of this relies on the infrastructure of Web3. Additionally, DePAI relies on crowdsourced data to help machines perceive the world and interact with the environment. It also requires a complete set of infrastructure to support the economic model built around this new paradigm.

In simple terms, DePAI integrates robotics, intelligent AI, spatial intelligence, and DePIN, among other areas. It envisions a future scenario where robots and machines, tangible AI, can not only operate autonomously but also have autonomy and sovereignty in the Web3-driven machine economy.

From AI to DePAI

When we talk about ChatGPT, almost everyone knows about it. For most people, this large language model (LLM) introduced by OpenAI has become almost as ubiquitous as Google, Netflix, or social media platforms used daily. However, just two years ago, hardly anyone knew about the existence of ChatGPT.

Even more astonishing is how artificial intelligence has made a leap in a short period. From initially focusing on content generation in Generative AI to evolving into Agentic AI capable of independent decision-making, this transformation is remarkable. For example:

· Generative AI: You input a week's meal plan, and AI generates a shopping list for you.

· Agentic AI: It not only analyzes your health data, creates an optimized meal plan, and recommends daily recipes, tracks fridge inventory, but also automatically places orders when ingredients are running low—ensuring your kitchen is never empty.

From passive-reactive Generative AI to proactive decision-making Agentic AI, this change has been a tremendous leap. As Agentic AI gets a physical "body" and starts executing tasks in the real world, the future possibilities will be even broader. Yes, the era of robotics is already here, and AI industry giants like NVIDIA are leading this trend.

However, centralized AI, especially centralized physical AI, also brings many challenges and risks. For example, where does the data needed for AI models to understand and interact with the physical world come from?

This issue is further extended to the field of robotics. Who will own these robots? Which hardware vendor will determine the standard protocols for compatibility and interoperability among robots? Ultimately, who will benefit from this? Are we heading towards a future where large corporations earn huge profits while ordinary people can only rely on Universal Basic Income (UBI) relief? Or is there another possibility?

The answer lies in DePAI.

The significance of DePAI for physical AI is akin to the significance of DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) for physical infrastructure—it is an upgrade that reverts the power monopolized by a few companies back to the hands of ordinary people. Of course, this is not to say that DePAI and DePIN are completely independent. In fact, DePIN is a crucial part of the DePAI model.

DePIN provides key data and services for digital and physical AI, and peaq builds the core infrastructure layer supporting DePIN and decentralized hardware operations. Besides these two, for robots to efficiently function as decentralized physical AI in the global machine economy, they also need to rely on several other critical layers. As we will see, DePIN plays a vital role in these layers.

The Seven Core Layers of DePAI

You may have already realized that DePAI is an extremely complex system. Building a truly functioning Machine Economy is far more than just putting a Ledger on an Optimus robot.

True autonomous physical AI (DePAI) requires support from the following seven key layers:

· Hardware Layer: This is the foundation, referring to the robotic devices that allow AI models to interact with the physical world. Without this hardware, physical AI can only remain at a theoretical level.

· Software Layer: The intelligent agent AI models running on the robot. These models give robots autonomy to perform complex tasks.

· Data Layer: Data is the core driving force for physical AI learning and evolution. Without high-quality data support, AI cannot adapt to the dynamic changes of the real world.

· Spatial Intelligence Layer: This layer enables robots to understand the environment and interact with the physical world, such as object recognition, path planning, or hazard detection.

· Infrastructure Network Layer: Provides key resources such as storage, computing power, energy, etc. These resources are essential for supporting the continuous operation of physical AI.

· Machine Economy Layer: Integrates all the above elements through specialized protocols to ensure seamless collaboration between different types of DePINs (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), AI models, and robots.

· Organizational Layer: For example, DePAI DAO, this layer provides a decentralized governance model that allows individuals, communities, and businesses to equally own and benefit from DePAI.

These seven layers together build the complete ecosystem of DePAI. Next, let's delve into the specific functions and significance of each of these layers.

AI Agent

In previous discussions, we have mentioned the importance of AI Agents. Here's a brief recap: AI Agents are AI systems that can autonomously plan, make decisions, take action, and perform tasks without any human intervention.

These agents typically focus on specific types of tasks, such as logistics optimization or home assistants. In more complex scenarios, multiple agents can also be integrated into a single machine to collaborate on diverse tasks. In the context of DePAI, AI Agents can be seen as the "consciousness" of machines. Yes, we are steadily moving in that direction.

Robots

Robots are at the core of the "Physical" aspect of "Physical AI." They are the hardware platforms on which AI systems run and the bridge through which AI interacts with the real world. From autonomous vehicles and industrial machinery to surgical assistants and feature-rich humanoid robots like Tesla Optimus, robots are integrating into our lives in various forms. They are not only the carriers of physical AI but also key to translating AI theory into real-world applications.

Data Network

AI's operation relies on data, especially large amounts of high-quality data. Fortunately, DePINs such as MapMetrics, Silencio, Teneo, SkyX, and Hyperway have accumulated rich real-world data, which can provide strong support for advanced AI models. By leveraging this existing information, AI Agents can not only learn the operational rules of the real world but also make real-time decisions based on precise and verifiable datasets. For example, an autonomous vehicle can utilize this data to understand city traffic conditions and plan the best route.

Spatial Intelligence

If the data network helps AI understand the operating rules of the real world, the spatial intelligence layer enables AI-driven machines to navigate in real time and interact with the real world. In simple terms, this layer builds a virtual replica of the real world—a digitized environment where AI can simulate and coordinate.

You can think of it as a video game world synchronized with the real world, or even further, a "metaverse" version of the real world composed of decentralized autonomous AI. In this virtual environment, physical AI agents can learn how to identify objects, plan routes, and even predict potential hazards.

The implementation of this layer also relies on spatial data provided by DePINs, but its role goes far beyond that. Some specialized DePINs can create virtual training scenarios, providing a "digital playground" for physical AI to better understand and adapt to the complexity of the real world.

Infrastructure Network

The infrastructure network (such as DePINs) is the cornerstone that supports the entire physical AI ecosystem. They provide all the underlying resources needed for AI and robots to operate, such as computing or data storage, energy supply, and even the network of decentralized internet and energy grid.

Machine Economy

In the Machine Economy, Layer-1 blockchain is the core pillar of the entire ecosystem. It supports infrastructure DePINs, data collection DePINs, spatial perception DePINs, robot DAOs, and DePAI itself, playing a crucial role. This blockchain not only establishes standards for machines (such as unique identifiers IDs) and protocols, enabling autonomous robots to efficiently collaborate and interact in the physical world, but also provides the infrastructure for applications and transactions, supporting seamless integration among all applications and machines. Essentially, it builds a global machine economy market.

More importantly, this blockchain ensures that robots act in the best interest of humanity through incentive and penalty mechanisms, interests that are decided by humans through voting. Additionally, it promotes governance on a global scale, providing an open participation system that allows ordinary people to integrate into the machine economy, not just a few large corporations. This also paves the way for a decentralized resource allocation mechanism to drive a more equitable distribution of wealth.

DePAI DAO

To address the impending employment crisis, DePAI is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in ownership of physical AI and benefit from participating in the machine economy. However, the reality is that robotic equipment is costly. Whether it's industrial robotic arms, a fleet of delivery drones, or an autonomous vehicle, ordinary people find it challenging to afford.

At this point, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) have played a key role, especially those focused on robotics and physical AI. These organizations have provided ordinary people with the opportunity to invest in DePAI, regardless of their purchasing power or geographic location, while also establishing mechanisms to coordinate funds and decisions with industry experts.

For example, XMAQUINA DAO is a DAO focused on robotics and physical AI. They not only foresaw the rise of the DePAI model but also were the first to propose a framework that allows individuals and communities to seize the opportunity in this technological transformation.

XMAQUINA—Your DePAI Mentor

Currently, the global economy is undergoing two profound transformations: digital AI is replacing white-collar work, while physical AI is reshaping blue-collar work. Digital AI is intelligent, efficient, and tireless, while physical AI never complains, never rests, and remains focused. Both can work 24/7. In such a rapidly changing world, how can humans ensure their economic participation and capital gains?

This is where Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) come into play. Taking XMAQUINA DAO as an example, it has created a framework for the decentralized ownership, governance, and development of robotic technology. Through this platform, communities, entrepreneurs, and investors can collectively contribute and develop, while ensuring that all contributors can share the economic value they create.

The significance of DAOs lies not only in shared ownership but also in governance. Real-world machine decisions need oversight. If rules are set by a centralized company, these rules may primarily serve the company's interests. DAOs provide a transparent way for the community to collectively decide how machines operate, interact with humans, and who benefits from it. All decisions are made in an open environment, rather than behind closed doors.

Furthermore, faced with the impact of automation on employment, DAOs provide a way for people to actively participate. Individuals can contribute through funding, management, or benefiting from physical AI, rather than passively accepting being replaced. Instead of watching giant corporations monopolize everything, why not fight for a place for yourself through DAOs?

How is a DePAI DAO different from a typical DAO?

Most DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) primarily focus on digital assets, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), or fully online governance models. In contrast, a DePAI DAO focuses on real-world businesses and machines, such as robotics, sensor networks, and autonomous vehicles. These machines require continuous maintenance, coordination, and management, so the challenges faced by a DePAI DAO go far beyond the traditional DAO's token staking or governance proposals. They must entrust the day-to-day management of the machine network to companies capable of actually executing tasks in the physical world to achieve efficient operation.

In addition, DePAI DAO also has a significantly different governance model. Unlike financial DAOs that usually only need to manage digital transactions, DePAI DAO needs to strike a balance between AI ethics, machine decision-making, and real-time operations. They must establish a governance system that can address behavioral norms for robots in public spaces, transparency in data usage, and income distribution rules. For example, a DAO managing delivery drones not only needs to coordinate the drones' operation routes and ensure safety but also needs to devise a scheme for distributing profits to members. This complex governance requirement makes DePAI DAO more functionally similar to real-world corporate management.

Take XMAQUINA DAO as an example, which is focused on physical AI and has achieved shared ownership, shared governance, and shared creation within a framework. By participating in the financing of physical AI companies, XMAQUINA DAO allows ordinary members to access investment opportunities in the robotics industry without needing to be venture capitalists or private equity funds. Additionally, XMAQUINA DAO has its development lab, focusing on open-source project development and incubating new physical AI projects. Its distributed governance structure ensures that the control of funds is entirely in the hands of DAO members, achieving true decentralization.

As AI-driven machines gradually integrate into our daily lives, how to fund, manage, and govern these machines has become an increasingly important issue. DePAI DAO offers a brand-new solution that not only allocates ownership and decision-making but also automatically shares risks and rewards with a broader community. In this way, the machine economy can remain open, transparent, and community-driven.

Why DePAI Is Important

After understanding the definition and operation of DePAI, one cannot help but ask: Why is it so important?

The rapid advancement of AI has brought tremendous potential to improve human life, but it also comes with some worrisome issues, with the most critical being centralization. Today, the data, models, and infrastructure driving AI are mostly controlled by a few large companies. Do we really want such a groundbreaking technology that profoundly alters society to be monopolized by a few?

DePAI offers a brand-new solution by democratizing robotic technology, redefining the rules of the game. It ensures that the community served by robots can collectively own, manage, and share the value created, rather than letting these benefits be monopolized by a few companies. On the one hand, this decentralized model provides more people with the tools and data resources to drive physical AI innovation, thereby sparking greater technological breakthroughs. More importantly, it directly addresses two global issues: job displacement and economic inequality.

By enabling ordinary people to own a part of Physical AI and participate in the Machine Economy, DePAI is paving the way for a more inclusive future. In this future, AI will not only serve a few resource-controlling enterprises but will bring benefits to all of humanity.

The Challenges Facing DePAI

As an emerging technology, DePAI will inevitably face many challenges in realizing its vision.

First is the issue of scalability. Both in terms of data volume and computational power, the current infrastructure is not sufficient to support large-scale Physical AI applications. Although some DePINs already provide the necessary data and compute support, more resources need to be invested to achieve widespread adoption of Physical AI.

Second is the infrastructure development issue. Physical AI requires real-time processing of large amounts of real-world data, including collection, analysis, and execution of operations. For example, autonomous vehicles need to navigate autonomously in complex city environments, delivery drones need to coordinate routes, and agricultural robots need to perform precise operations based on sensor network data. All of this demands high-speed data transfer.

While some computational tasks can be offloaded to edge computing for off-chain processing, a significant number of transactions and crucial data validations still rely on on-chain processing. This "dual-track" mode requires both robust off-chain computing capabilities and an efficient blockchain network to support overall operation.

Interoperability: A Key Issue in the DePAI Ecosystem

In the DePAI ecosystem, interoperability is a crucial issue that spans multiple levels. As more manufacturers join, different types of machines and AI models are often distributed across multiple DePIN networks and blockchains, necessitating seamless communication. This communication needs to be achieved both at the hardware level—ensuring machines using different protocols can interact smoothly—and at the software level—allowing AI models to learn from each other and collaborate, regardless of their technical architectures.

From an infrastructure perspective, different networks and protocols must be able to achieve data sharing, execute cross-chain transactions, and coordinate machine operations. These operations need to overcome differences in governance mechanisms, economic models, and incentive structures. Without this interoperability, the DePAI ecosystem may become fragmented, preventing it from functioning as a cohesive, decentralized Machine Economy. For example, if delivery drones and autonomous vehicles cannot share real-time traffic data, their efficiency would be greatly reduced, potentially leading to safety issues.

Fortunately, these issues are gradually being addressed. Currently, an increasing number of peaq-based DePINs have begun to collect large amounts of real-world data, which can be used by AI models to optimize decision-making and operations. At the same time, peaq's blockchain infrastructure boasts high throughput of over 500,000+ TPS (transactions per second), ensuring these DePINs can operate stably in a broader machine economy. Additionally, the peaq verify framework can validate this data to ensure its authenticity and reliability.

However, the challenges in the interoperability space are more complex. Manufacturers need to establish and adopt unified standards and protocols for the growing number of physical devices. One existing standard worth mentioning is peaq IDs, which has provided a common protocol enabling machines to recognize, interact, and share data with each other. For example, through peaq IDs, smart home devices can collaborate with delivery robots to achieve seamless package reception and storage.

How to Dive Deeper into DePAI

Has all the discussion about DePAI piqued your interest? If you wish to get involved and contribute to building a better, safer, and fairer future for physical AI, you can take action now! You can start today by using DePINs built on peaq. These networks can not only help collect the data necessary for running advanced intelligent AI models in the real world but also reward your contributions accordingly. For instance, through participating in data sharing, you may receive tokens or other forms of economic rewards. If you feel lost about how to get started, consider following the ongoing "Get Real" event, designed especially for beginners to gradually guide you on your DePIN exploration journey.

If you wish to be more directly involved in the development of physical AI, such as owning your own robot, do not miss out on the latest updates from XMAQUINA DAO. Their Genesis auction phase two is about to commence, offering you a great opportunity to become part of the machine economy and own your physical AI asset. By participating in the auction, you can not only gain ownership of a robot but also secure a position in the future machine economy.

Original Article Link