DePAI: When robots meet Web3, can a new narrative be opened?

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

Original author: peaq

Original text compilation: TechFlow

NVIDIA proposed the concept of 'Physical AI (Physical AI)' at CES. And now, 'Decentralized Physical AI (Decentralized Physical AI, DePAI)' has become a hot topic in the cryptocurrency field. So, what is DePAI? What is its connection with robots? What conditions do these robots need to operate as decentralized physical AI in the Machine Economy (Machine Economy) proposed by peaq?

DePAI: When C3PO meets Web3

Another new term is born. DePAI, short for Decentralized Physical AI, has recently become the focus of the cryptocurrency industry. This concept was proposed 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 widespread discussion in the industry and is indeed worth paying attention to.

DePAI is a concept that integrates AI, robotics, Web3, and DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network) and other cutting-edge technology fields. It organically combines these emerging fields to form a powerful new paradigm. This integration not only demonstrates the synergistic potential of these technologies, but also heralds their collective drive for industry transformation and a thorough change in the way the global economy operates.

So why do you need to 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 these potential challenges. It is expected to become an important driving force for the future global economy, providing us with a way to deal with and mitigate the disruptive impact of AI.

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

Let's dive in and learn more.

What is DePAI?

From a literal perspective, "Decentralized Physical AI (Decentralized Physical AI)" does not seem to be a completely new concept. After all, the decentralized physical hardware network for AI models already exists. However, DePAI is not limited to decentralized computing power, its significance is far more than that.

DePAI is a broader concept involving real machine equipment, especially robots, using artificial intelligence technology to achieve survival and development in the real world. All of this relies on the infrastructure of Web3. In addition, DePAI relies on the support of crowdsourced data, which helps machines perceive the world and interact with the environment. At the same time, it also requires a complete infrastructure to support the economic model built around this new paradigm.

Simply put, DePAI integrates robotics, intelligent AI, spatial intelligence, and DePIN into one. It depicts a future scenario where robots and machines, namely concrete AI, can not only operate autonomously but also have autonomy and sovereignty in the Web3-driven machine economy.

From AI to DePAI

When it comes to ChatGPT, almost everyone knows about it. For most people, this large language model (LLM) launched by OpenAI is already as popular as Google, Netflix, or social media platforms used daily. However, just two years ago, almost no one had heard of ChatGPT's existence.

Even more amazing is the leapfrog development of artificial intelligence in a short period of time. From the initial focus on content generation of Generative AI (Generative AI) to the evolution into intelligent agents capable of making independent decisions AI (Agentic AI), this transformation is remarkable. For example:

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

· AI Smart Agent: It can not only analyze your health data, formulate optimized diet plans, and recommend daily recipes, track refrigerator inventory, but also automatically place orders for purchase when ingredients are insufficient - ensuring that your kitchen will never be empty.

From generative AI that reacts passively to AI agents that make active decisions, this change is already a huge leap. And when AI agents have a physical 'body' and start performing tasks in the real world, the possibilities for the future will be even broader. Yes, the era of robots has arrived, 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 has further expanded to the field of robotics. Who will own these robots? Which hardware supplier will determine the standard protocols for compatibility and interoperability between robots? Ultimately, who will profit from this? Are we heading towards a future where large corporations make huge profits while ordinary people can only rely on basic income (UBI) relief? Or is there another possibility?

The answer is right in DePAI.

The significance of DePAI to physical AI is similar to the significance of DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network) to physical infrastructure—it is an upgrade that returns power from the few companies that monopolize it to the hands of ordinary people. Of course, this is not to say that DePAI and DePIN are completely independent. In fact, DePIN is an important component of the DePAI model.

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

The seven core layers of DePAI

You may have noticed that DePAI is an extremely complex system. Building a truly functional (Machine Economy) is far more than just installing a Ledger on an Optimus robot.

True autonomous physical AI (DePAI) requires support at the following seven key levels:

• Hardware Layer: This is the foundation, referring to robotic devices that enable AI models to interact with the physical world. Without these hardware components, physical AI can only remain at the theoretical level.

· Software layer: intelligent body AI model 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 recognizing objects, planning paths, or sensing danger.

· Infrastructure network layer: providing key resources such as storage, computing power, energy, etc. These resources are essential conditions for supporting the continuous operation of physical AI.

· Machine Economic Layer: Integrate 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, allowing individuals, communities, and enterprises to equally own and benefit from DePAI.

These seven levels together build the complete ecosystem of DePAI. Next, let's delve into the specific functions and meanings of these levels one by one.

AI intelligent agent

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

These agents typically focus on specific types of tasks, such as logistics optimization or home assistants, but 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 moving in this direction.

Robot

Robots are the core of 'physical' in 'physical AI'. They are the hardware platform on which AI systems run, as well as the bridge between AI and the real world. From self-driving cars and industrial machinery to surgical assistants, and fully functional 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 the key to transforming AI theory into practical applications.

Data networking

The operation of AI is inseparable from data, especially a large amount of high-quality data. Fortunately, DePINs like MapMetrics, Silencio, Teneo, SkyX, and Hyperway have accumulated rich real-world data, which can provide strong support for advanced AI models. By utilizing this existing information, the Agentic AI can not only learn the operating rules of the real world but also make decisions in real-time based on precise and verifiable datasets. For example, an autonomous driving car can understand the city's traffic conditions through this data, thereby planning the best route.

Space 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 digital environment where AI can simulate and coordinate.

You can think of it as a video game world synchronized with the real world, or go 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 paths, and even predict potential dangers.

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

Infrastructure network

Infrastructure networks, such as DePINs, are the cornerstone that underpins the entire physical AI ecosystem. They provide all the underlying resources needed for AI and bots to function, such as computing or data storage, energy supply, and even the network of decentralized internet and energy grids.

Machine Economy

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

More importantly, this blockchain ensures that robots act in the best interests of humans through incentive and punishment mechanisms, and these interests are determined by humans through voting. In addition, it promotes global governance and provides an open participation system, allowing ordinary people to integrate into the machine economy, not just a few large companies. It also paves the way for decentralized resource allocation mechanisms and promotes fairer wealth distribution.

DePAI DAO

To address the upcoming employment crisis, DePAI is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to own physical AI and earn profits through participation in the machine economy. However, the reality is that the cost of robotic devices is high. Whether it's an industrial robotic arm, a fleet of delivery drones, or an autonomous vehicle, ordinary people find it hard to afford.

At this time, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) played a crucial role, especially those focusing on robotics technology and physical AI DAOs. These organizations provide ordinary people with the opportunity to invest in DePAI, regardless of their purchasing power or geographical location, while also establishing mechanisms to coordinate funds and decisions with industry experts.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE XMAQUINA DAO IS AN ORGANIZATION FOCUSED ON ROBOTICS AND PHYSICAL AI. Not only did they foresee the rise of the DePAI model, but they also pioneered a framework for individuals and communities to seize opportunities in this technological revolution.

XMAQUINA——Your DePAI mentor

Currently, the global economy is experiencing two profound changes: digital AI is replacing white-collar jobs, while physical AI is changing the landscape of 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 rights and capital gains?

This is exactly where decentralized autonomous organization (DAOs) comes into play. Take XMAQUINA DAO, for example, it has created a framework for the shared ownership, governance, and development of decentralized robot 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 sharing ownership, but also in governance. Machine decisions in the real world need supervision. If rules are formulated by a centralized company, these rules may first serve the interests of the company. DAOs, on the other hand, provide a transparent way for the community to collectively determine how machines operate, interact with people, and who can benefit from it. All decisions are made in an open environment, rather than behind the scenes.

In addition, in the face of the impact of automation on employment, DAOs provide a way for people to actively participate. Individuals can benefit from sponsoring, managing, or benefiting from physical AI, rather than passively accepting being replaced. Instead of passively observing large companies monopolize everything, it is better to fight for a place for yourself through DAOs.

What's the difference between DePAI DAO and ordinary DAO?

Most DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) focus primarily on digital assets, decentralized finance DeFi, or fully online governance models. DePAI DAO, on the other hand, focuses on real-world businesses and machines, such as robots, sensor networks, and autonomous vehicles. These machines require continuous maintenance, coordination, and management, so the challenges faced by DePAI DAO go far beyond token collateral or governance proposals in traditional DAOs. They must entrust the daily management of the machine group to companies that can actually perform tasks in the physical world, thereby achieving efficient operation.

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

Taking XMAQUINA DAO as an example, it is a DAO focused on physical AI, which implements common ownership, governance, and creation within a framework. By participating in the financing of physical AI companies, XMAQUINA DAO enables ordinary members to access investment opportunities in the robotics industry without having to be venture capitalists or private equity funds. At the same time, XMAQUINA DAO has its own development laboratory, focusing on open source project development and incubating new physical AI projects. Its distributed governance structure ensures that the control of funds is fully shared by DAO members, thus achieving true decentralization.

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

Why DePAI is important

After understanding the definition and operation mode of DePAI, we can't help but ask: why is it so important?

The rapid development of AI has brought great potential to improve human life, but it has also come with some worrying problems, the most critical of which is centralization. Today, the data, models, and infrastructure that drive AI are mostly in the hands of a handful of large companies. Do we really want such a profoundly society-changing technology to be monopolized by a few?

DePAI offers a new solution by democratizing robotics technology and 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 allowing these benefits to be monopolized by a few companies. On the one hand, this decentralized model provides tools and data resources for more people 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 have a part of physical AI and participate in the machine economy, DePAI paves the way for a more inclusive future. In this future, AI serves not just a few enterprises that control resources, but brings benefits to all humanity.

The challenges that DePAI needs to overcome

As a new technology, DePAI will inevitably encounter many challenges in the process of realizing its vision.

First, there is the issue of scalability, whether it is the amount of data or computing power, the current infrastructure is still insufficient to support large-scale physical AI applications. Although some DePINs now provide the necessary data and computing support, more resources are needed to achieve widespread application of physical AI.

Next is the issue of infrastructure construction. Physical AI requires real-time processing of a large amount of data from the real world, including collection, analysis, and execution. For example, autonomous vehicles need to navigate autonomously in complex urban environments, delivery drones need to coordinate routes, and agricultural robots need to perform precise operations based on data provided by sensor networks. All of this poses very high demands on high-speed data transmission.

Although some computing tasks can be completed off-chain through edge computing, there is still a large amount of transactions and critical data verification that rely on on-chain processing. This 'dual-track' mode requires not only strong off-chain computing capabilities, but also an efficient blockchain network to support overall operations.

Interoperability: A key issue in the DePAI ecosystem

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

From an infrastructure perspective, different networks and protocols must be able to achieve data sharing, cross-chain transaction execution, and coordination of machine operations. These operations need to overcome the differences between governance mechanisms, economic models, and incentive mechanisms. Without this interoperability, the DePAI ecosystem may become fragmented, leading to its inability to function as a unified, decentralized machine economy. For example, if delivery drones and autonomous vehicles cannot share real-time traffic data, their efficiency will be greatly reduced, potentially causing safety issues.

Fortunately, these issues are being gradually resolved. Currently, an increasing number of peaq-based DePINs have begun to collect a large amount 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 has a high throughput of over 500,000+ TPS (transactions per second), ensuring the stable operation of these DePINs in a broader machine economy. In addition, the peaq verify framework can also validate this data to ensure its authenticity and reliability.

However, the challenges in the interoperability field are more complex. Manufacturers need to establish and adopt uniform standards and protocols for the growing number of physical devices. An existing standard worth referring to is peaq IDs, which has provided a set of universal protocols that enable 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 parcel reception and storage.

How to better understand DePAI

Has all the discussion about DePAI sparked 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 using DePINs built on peaq. These networks not only help collect the data needed to run advanced intelligent AI models in the real world, but also provide rewards for your contributions. For example, by participating in data sharing, you may receive tokens or other forms of economic rewards. If you are unsure how to get started, you can pay attention to the ongoing 'Get Real' event, which is designed for beginners and can gradually guide you on the exploration journey of DePIN.

If you want to participate more directly in the development of physical AI, such as owning your own robot, then don't miss the latest updates from XMAQUINA DAO. Their Genesis auction phase two is about to start, which is a great opportunity for you to become part of the machine economy and own your own physical AI assets. By participating in the auction, you can not only gain ownership of the robot, but also secure a place in the future machine economy.