GuShiio.com Digital AI is replacing white-collar jobs, while physical AI is changing the landscape of blue-collar jobs.
Author: peaq
Compiled by: Shenchao TechFlow
NVIDIA proposed the concept of Physical AI at CES. Today, Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI) has become a hot topic in the encryption 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 proposed by peaq?
DePAI: When C3PO meets Web3
Another new term was born. DePAI, whose full name is Decentralized Physical AI, has recently become a focus topic in the encryption industry. This concept was proposed by Messari, after NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang promoted the concept of Physical AI for the first time at CES in January 2025. The new word DePAI has aroused widespread discussion in the industry and is indeed worthy of attention.
DePAI is a platform that integrates AI, robotics, Web3 and DePINConcepts in multiple cutting-edge technology areas such as decentralized physical infrastructure networks. It organically combines these emerging areas to form a powerful new paradigm. This combination not only demonstrates the synergistic potential of these technologies, but also suggests that together they will transform the industry and revolutionize the way the global economy works.
So why do you need to pay attention to it? If you are in the workplace, you may already be worried about the trend of robots and AI replacing human jobs. The emergence of DePAI is a solution to these potential challenges. It is expected to become an important 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 is it different from traditional physical AI (i.e. robots)? Why is it so important?
Let’s take a deeper look.
What is DePAI?
Literally, Decentralized Physical AI does not seem to be a completely new concept. After all, technologies already exist for decentralized physical hardware networks to provide computing power to AI models. However, DePAI is not limited to decentralized computing capabilities, it is more than that.
DePAI is a broader concept that involves real machines and devices, especially robots, that use artificial intelligence technology to survive and develop in the real world. And all of this depends on the infrastructure of Web3. In addition, DePAI relies on support from crowdsourced data that helps machines perceive the world and interact with the environment. At the same time, it also requires a complete set of infrastructure to support the economic model built around this new paradigm.
Simply put, DePAI integrates fields such as robotics, intelligent AI, spatial intelligence and DePIN. It paints a future scenario in which robots and machines, i.e. embodied AI, are not only capable of operating autonomously, but also capable of autonomy and sovereignty in a Web3-driven machine economy.
From AI to DePAI
When it comes to ChatGPT, almost everyone knows it. For most people, the Big Language Model (LLM) launched by OpenAI has become as popular as Google, Netflix, or social media on a daily basis. However, just two years ago, few people had heard of ChatGPT.
What is even more amazing is that artificial intelligence has achieved leapfrog development in a short period of time. This transformation from Generative AI, which initially focused on content generation, to now evolved into an Agent AI that can make independent decisions. An example:
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Generative AI: You enter a meal plan for the week, and the AI generates a shopping list for you.
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Agent AI: Not only can it analyze your health data and make optimized eating plans, it can also recommend daily recipes, track refrigerator inventory, and even automatically place purchases when ingredients are low to ensure your kitchen is never empty.——
From passively reactive generative AI to proactively decision-making agent AI, this change has been a huge leap forward. When agent AI has a physical body and begins to perform tasks in the real world, the possibilities for the future will be broader. Yes, the robot era has arrived, and AI industry giants such as 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 to understand and interact with the physical world come from?
This problem further extends to the field of robots. Who will own these robots? Which hardware vendor will determine standard protocols for compatibility and interoperability between robots? In the end, who will benefit from it? Are we moving towards a future where large corporations make huge profits and ordinary people rely on basic income (UBI) relief? Or is there another possibility?
The answer is in DePAI.
DePAI means to physical AI what DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) means to physical infrastructure-it is an upgrade by returning power monopolized by a few companies back into 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 part 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, robots need to rely on multiple other key layers if they want to operate efficiently as decentralized physical AI in the global machine economy. And as we will see, DePIN plays a vital role in these layers.
The seven core levels of DePAI
You may have discovered that DePAI is an extremely complex system. Building a truly working Machine Economy is far more than just equipping an Optimus robot with a Ledger.
True Autonomous Physical AI (DePAI) requires the following seven key levels of support:
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hardware layer: This is the foundation, which refers to robotic devices that allow AI models to interact with the physical world. Without these hardware, physical AI can only stay at the theoretical level.
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software layer: An agent AI model running on a robot. These models give robots autonomy, allowing them to perform complex tasks.
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data layer: Data is the core driving force for physical AI learning and evolution. Without high-quality data support, AI cannot adapt to dynamic changes in the real world.
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spatial intelligence layer: This layer allows the robot to understand the environment and interact with the physical world, such as identifying objects, planning paths, or sensing dangers.
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infrastructurenetwork layer: Provide key resources such as storage, computing power, energy, etc. These resources are necessary to support the continued operation of physical AI.
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machine economy layer: Integrate all of the above elements through dedicated protocols to ensure seamless collaboration between different types of DePINs (decentralized physical infrastructure networks), AI models and robots.
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tissue layerFor example, DePAI DAO provides a decentralized governance model that allows individuals, communities, and businesses to equally own and benefit from DePAI.
These seven levels together build a complete ecosystem for DePAI. Next, let us understand in depth the specific functions and meanings of these levels one by one.
AI agent
In previous discussions, we have already mentioned the importance of Agent AI. Here is a brief review: Agent AI is AI systems that can plan, make decisions, take actions, and perform tasks independently, and they require no human intervention at all.
These agents usually focus on specific types of tasks, such as logistics optimization or home assistance, but in more complex scenarios, multiple agents can also be integrated into one machine to collaborate to complete diverse tasks. In the context of DePAI, AI agents can be regarded as the consciousness of machines. Yes, we are moving in this direction.
robot
Robots are the core of physics in physical AI. They are the hardware platforms on which AI systems run and the bridge between AI and the real world. From self-driving cars and industrial machinery, to surgical assistants, to fully functional humanoid robots like Tesla Optimus, robots are integrating into our lives in various forms. They are not only the carrier of physical AI, but also the key to transforming AI theory into practical applications.
data network
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 a wealth of real-world data that can provide strong support for advanced AI models. By leveraging this existing information, Agent AI can not only learn the rules of operation in the real world, but also make decisions in real time based on accurate and verifiable data sets. For example, a self-driving car can use this data to understand urban traffic conditions and plan the best driving route.
spatial intelligence
If data networks help AI understand the operating rules of the real world, then spatial intelligence layers allow AI-driven machines to navigate and interact with the real world in real time. Simply put, this layer builds a virtual replica of the real world, a digital environment in which AI can simulate and coordinate.
You can imagine it as a video game world synchronized with the real world, or even more, a metaverse version of the real world made up 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 goes far beyond that. Certain specialized DePINs can also create virtual training scenarios that provide a digital playground for physical AI to help them better understand and adapt to the complexities of the real world.
infrastructure network
Infrastructure networks (such as DePINs) are 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 supplies, and even networks of decentralized Internet and energy grids.
machine economy
In the Machine Economy, the Layer-1 blockchain is the core pillar of the entire ecosystem. It plays a vital role in supporting infrastructure DePINs, data collection DePINs, spatial awareness DePINs, robotic DAOs, and DePAI itself. This blockchain not only establishes standards for machines (such as unique identification IDs) and protocols that enable autonomous robots to collaborate and interact efficiently in the physical world, but also provides an infrastructure for applications and transactions, supporting all applications and machines. Seamless combination between them. In essence, it builds a global machine economy market.
More importantly, this blockchain uses incentive and penalty mechanisms to ensure that robots act in the best interests of humans, which are determined by humans through voting. In addition, it promotes global governance and provides an open participation system that allows ordinary people to integrate into the machine economy, not just a few large companies. This also paves the way for a decentralized resource allocation mechanism and promotes a more equitable distribution of wealth.
DePAI DAO
In response to the upcoming jobs crisis, DePAI is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the ownership of physical AI and reap the benefits of participating in the machine economy. However, the reality is that the cost of robotic equipment is high. Whether it’s an industrial robotic arm, a team of distribution drones, or a self-driving car, it’s hard for ordinary people to afford.
At this point, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) play a key role, especially those focusing on robotics and physical AI. 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 funding and decision-making with industry experts.
For example, XMAQUINA DAO is an organization focused on robotics and physical AI. Not only did they foresee the rise of the DePAI model, they also pioneered a framework that would allow individuals and communities to seize opportunities in this technological change.
XMAQUINA, your DePAI mentor
Currently, the global economy is undergoing two profound changes: Numbers AI It is replacing white-collar jobs, while physical AI is changing the landscape of blue-collar jobs.Digital AI is intelligent, efficient and tireless, while physical AI never complains, does not rest, and is always focused. Both can work 24/7. In such a rapidly changing world, how can humans ensure their rights to economic participation and capital gains?
This is where decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) come in. Take XMAQUINA DAO as an example, which creates a framework for shared ownership, governance and development of decentralized robotics. Through this platform, communities, entrepreneurs and investors can co-fund and develop while ensuring that all contributors can share the economic value they create.
The significance of DAOs is not only shared ownership, but also governance. Machine decisions in the real world require supervision. If rules are set by a centralized company, these rules may serve the interests of the company first. DAOs provide a transparent way for the community to jointly decide how machines operate, how they interact with people, and who will 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 funding, managing, or benefiting from physical AI rather than passively accepting the fate of being replaced. Rather than watch as big companies monopolize everything, gain a place for yourself through DAOs.
DePAI DAO How is it different from ordinary DAOs?
Most DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) focus mainly on digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi) or governance models that operate fully online. DePAI DAO 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 the Token collateral or governance proposals of traditional DAOs. They must delegate the day-to-day management of the machine swarm to companies that can actually perform tasks in the physical world to operate efficiently.
In addition, the governance approach of DePAI DAO is also significantly different. Unlike financial DAOs, which typically only need to manage digital transactions, DePAI DAOs need to strike a balance between AI ethics, machine decision-making and real-time operations. They must establish governance systems that respond to norms of robot behavior in public spaces, transparency in data use, and rules for income distribution. For example, a DAO that manages the distribution of drones not only needs to coordinate the drone’s route to ensure safety, but also needs to develop a plan for how to distribute profits to members. This complex governance requirement makes DePAI DAO functionally closer to real-world enterprise management.
Take XMAQUINA DAO as an example. It is a DAO that focuses on physical AI and achieves co-ownership, co-governance, and co-creation under one framework. By participating in the financing of physical AI companies, XMAQUINA DAO allows ordinary members to gain access to investment opportunities in the robotics industry without having to become 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 control of funds is fully shared by DAO members, achieving true decentralization.
As AI-driven machines are gradually integrated into our daily lives, how to fund, manage and govern these machines has become an increasingly important issue. DePAI DAO provides a completely new solution that not only allocates ownership and decision-making power, but also shares the risks and benefits of automation to the wider community. In this way, the machine economy can remain open and transparent, and development is jointly promoted by the community.
Why DePAI is important
After understanding the definition and operation of DePAI, we can’t help but ask: Why is it so important?
The rapid development of AI has brought huge potential to improve human lives, but it is also accompanied by some worrying issues, includingThe most important thing is centralization。Today, most of the data, models and infrastructure that drive AI are in the hands of a few large companies. Do we really want a technology like this that profoundly changes society to be monopolized by a few?
DePAI provides a completely new solution that redefines the rules of the game by democratizing robotics. It ensures that the communities served by the robot can jointly 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 more people with tools and data resources to promote physical AI innovation, thereby stimulating greater technological breakthroughs. More importantly, it responds directly to two global issues: job substitution and economic inequality.
By allowing ordinary people to own part of physical AI and participate in the machine economy, DePAI paves the way for a more inclusive future. In this future, AI will not only serve the few companies that control resources, but will bring benefits to all mankind.
Challenges DePAI needs to overcome
As an emerging technology, DePAI will inevitably encounter many challenges in realizing its vision.
The first is the issue of scalability. Whether it is data volume or computing power, the current infrastructure is not enough 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.
The second is the issue of infrastructure construction. Physical AI requires processing of large amounts of data from the real world in real time, including collection, analysis and execution of operations. For example, autonomous vehicles need to navigate autonomously in complex urban environments, distribution drones need to coordinate routes, and agricultural robots need to operate accurately based on data provided by sensor networks. All of this places extremely high requirements on high-speed data transmission.
Although some computing tasks can be completed offline through edge computing, there are still a large number of transactions and key data verification that need to rely on on-chain processing. This dual-track model requires both strong off-chain computing capabilities and an efficient blockchain network to support the overall operation.
Interoperability: A key issue in the DePAI ecosystem
Interoperability is a critical issue in the DePAI ecosystem that cuts across multiple levels. As more manufacturers join in, different types of machines and AI models are often distributed across multiple DePIN networks and blockchains, and they need to be able to communicate seamlessly with each other. This kind of communication needs to be implemented at both the hardware level to ensure that machines using different protocols can interact smoothly, and at the software level to allow AI models to learn from each other and work collaboratively, no matter what technology architecture they are based on.
From an infrastructure perspective, different networks and protocols must be able to enable data sharing, execution of cross-chain transactions, and coordination of machine operations. These operations need to overcome differences between governance mechanisms, economic models, and incentive mechanisms. Without this interoperability, the DePAI ecosystem could become fragmented, making it unable to function properly as a unified, decentralized machine economy. For example, if distribution drones and autonomous vehicles cannot share real-time traffic data, their efficiency will be greatly compromised and may even raise safety issues.
Fortunately, these problems are gradually being resolved. Currently, more and more peaq based DePINs have begun to collect large amounts of real-world data that can be used by AI models to optimize decisions and operations. At the same time, peaq’s blockchain infrastructure has a high throughput of more than 500,000+ TPS (transactions per second), ensuring the stable operation of these DePINs in the broader machine economy. In addition, the peaq verify framework can also verify these data to ensure its authenticity and reliability.
However, the challenges in the interoperability area are more complex. Manufacturers need to develop and adopt uniform standards and protocols for an ever-growing number of physical equipment. An existing standard worth considering is peaq IDs, which already provides a common protocol that allows machines to recognize, interact with, and share data with each other. For example, with peaq IDs, smart home devices can collaborate with delivery robots to achieve seamless package receipt and storage.
How to learn more about DePAI
Have all the discussions about DePAI piqued your interest? If you want to participate and contribute to building a better, safer, and fairer future for physical AI, you can take action now! You can start using DePINs built based on peaq today. These networks will not only help collect the data needed for advanced intelligent AI models to operate in the real world, but they will also provide rewards for your contributions. For example, by participating in data sharing, you may receive tokens or other forms of financial reward. If you’re confused about how to start, pay attention to the ongoing Get Real event, which is designed for novices and will gradually guide you on a journey of DePIN exploration.
If you want to participate more directly in the development of physical AI, such as actually owning your own robot, then don’t miss the latest developments in XMAQUINA DAO. The second phase of their Genesis auction is about to start, which is a great opportunity for you to become part of the machine economy and have your own physical AI assets. By participating in the auction, you can not only gain ownership of the robot, but also gain a place in the future machine economy.
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