Digital AI is replacing white-collar jobs, while Physical AI is changing the landscape of blue-collar work.
Author: peaq
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 space. So, what is DePAI? How is it related to robotics? What conditions do these robots need to meet in the machine economy proposed by peaq to operate as decentralized physical AI?
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 proposed by Messari, and prior to that, 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 attention.
DePAI is a concept that integrates multiple cutting-edge technology fields, including AI, robotics, Web3, and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks). It organically combines these emerging fields to form a powerful new paradigm. This combination not only showcases the synergistic potential of these technologies but also indicates that they will jointly drive industry transformation and fundamentally change the way the global economy operates.
So, why should you pay attention to it? If you are part of the workforce, you may already be concerned about the trend of robots and AI replacing human jobs. The emergence of DePAI is a solution to address these potential challenges. It is expected to become a significant driving force in the future global economy, providing us with a way to manage and mitigate the disruptive impacts brought by AI.
But what exactly is DePAI? How does it differ from traditional Physical AI (i.e., robotics)? Why is it so important?
Let’s delve deeper.
What is DePAI?
Literally, "Decentralized Physical AI" does not seem to be a completely new concept. After all, decentralized physical hardware networks provide computational power for AI models. However, DePAI is not limited to decentralized computational power; its significance goes far beyond that.
DePAI is a broader concept that involves real machines, especially robots, utilizing AI technology to survive and thrive in the real world. All of this relies on the infrastructure of Web3. Additionally, DePAI depends on the support of crowdsourced data, which helps machines perceive the world and interact with their environment. At the same time, it requires a complete 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 fields. It envisions a future scenario where robots and machines, as embodied AI, can not only operate autonomously but also possess autonomy and sovereignty within a Web3-driven machine economy.
From AI to DePAI
When mentioning ChatGPT, almost everyone knows about it. For most people, this large language model (LLM) launched by OpenAI has become as ubiquitous as Google, Netflix, or the social media they use daily. However, just two years ago, hardly anyone had heard of ChatGPT.
Even more astonishing is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence in such a short time. From initially focusing on content generation with Generative AI to now 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 the AI generates a shopping list for you.
Agentic AI: It can not only analyze your health data and create an optimized meal plan but also recommend daily recipes, track fridge inventory, and even automatically place orders when ingredients run low—ensuring your kitchen is never empty.
The shift from passive Generative AI to proactive Agentic AI is a significant leap. And when Agentic AI has a physical "body" and begins to perform tasks in the real world, the possibilities for the future will be even broader. Yes, the era of robots has arrived, and industry giants like NVIDIA are leading this trend.
However, centralized AI, especially centralized Physical AI, also brings many challenges and risks. For instance, where will the data needed for AI models to understand and interact with the physical world come from?
This question extends further into the realm of robotics. Who will own these robots? Which hardware suppliers will determine the standard protocols for compatibility and interoperability among robots? Ultimately, who will profit from this? Are we heading towards a future where large corporations earn massive profits while ordinary people can only rely on Universal Basic Income (UBI) for relief? Or is there another possibility?
The answer lies in DePAI.
The significance of DePAI for Physical AI is akin to that of DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) for physical infrastructure—it is an upgrade that returns power, previously monopolized by a few companies, back to ordinary people. Of course, this does not mean that DePAI and DePIN are entirely independent. In fact, DePIN is a crucial component of the DePAI model.
DePIN provides essential data and services for digital and physical AI, while peaq builds the core infrastructure layer that supports the operation of DePIN and decentralized hardware. Beyond 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 vital role in these layers.
The Seven Core Layers of DePAI
You may have already noticed that DePAI is an extremely complex system. Building a truly functioning machine economy is far more than just equipping an Optimus robot with a Ledger.
True autonomous Physical AI (DePAI) requires support from the following seven key layers:
Hardware Layer: This is the foundation, referring to robotic devices that enable AI models to interact with the physical world. Without this hardware, Physical AI can only remain theoretical.
Software Layer: The Agentic AI models running on the robots. These models grant autonomy to the robots, allowing them to perform complex tasks.
Data Layer: Data is the core driving force for Physical AI to learn and evolve. 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 their environment and interact with the physical world, such as recognizing objects, planning paths, or sensing dangers.
Infrastructure Network Layer: Provides critical resources such as storage, computing power, and energy. These resources are necessary for the continuous operation of Physical AI.
Machine Economy Layer: Integrates all the above elements through specialized protocols, ensuring seamless collaboration among different types of DePINs, AI models, and robots.
Organizational Layer: For example, DePAI DAO, this layer provides a decentralized governance model that allows individuals, communities, and enterprises to equally own and benefit from DePAI.
These seven layers collectively construct the complete ecosystem of DePAI. Next, let’s explore the specific functions and significance of each of these layers in detail.
AI Agents
In previous discussions, we have already mentioned the importance of Agentic AI. Here’s a brief recap: Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can autonomously plan, make decisions, take actions, and execute tasks without human intervention.
These agents typically focus on specific types of tasks, such as logistics optimization or home assistance, but in more complex scenarios, multiple agents can be integrated into a single machine to collaboratively complete diverse tasks. In the context of DePAI, AI agents can be seen as the "consciousness" of machines. Yes, we are continuously moving in this direction.
Robotics
Robots are the core of the "physical" aspect of "Physical AI." They are the hardware platforms on which AI systems operate and serve as the bridge for AI to interact with 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 real-world applications.
Data Networks
The operation of AI relies on data, especially large amounts of high-quality data. Fortunately, DePINs such as MapMetrics, Silencio, Teneo, SkyX, and Hyperway have already accumulated rich real-world data that can provide strong support for advanced AI models. By leveraging this existing information, Agentic AI can not only learn the operational rules of the real world but also make real-time decisions based on precise, verifiable datasets. For example, an autonomous vehicle can understand urban traffic conditions through this data, allowing it to plan the best driving route.
Spatial Intelligence
If the data network helps AI understand the operational rules of the real world, then the spatial intelligence layer enables AI-driven machines to navigate and interact with the real world in real-time. In simple terms, this layer constructs 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 that synchronizes with the real world, or even further, a "metaverse" version of the real world composed of decentralized autonomous AIs. In this virtual environment, physical AI agents can learn how to recognize objects, plan paths, and even predict potential dangers.
The implementation of this layer also relies on spatial data provided by DePINs, but its role goes far beyond that. Certain specialized DePINs can also create virtual training scenarios, providing physical AI with a "digital playground" to help them better understand and adapt to the complexities of the real world.
Infrastructure Network
Infrastructure networks (such as DePINs) are the cornerstone supporting the entire physical AI ecosystem. They provide all the underlying resources required for AI and robotics to operate, such as computing or data storage, energy supply, and even decentralized internet and energy network.
Machine Economy
In the machine economy, Layer-1 blockchain serves as 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 (such as unique identification IDs) and protocols for machines, enabling autonomous robots to collaborate and interact efficiently 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 interests of humans through incentive and penalty mechanisms, with these interests determined by human voting. Additionally, it promotes governance on a global scale, providing an open participation system that allows ordinary people to engage in the machine economy, rather than just a few large companies. This also paves the way for a decentralized resource allocation mechanism, promoting a fairer distribution of wealth.
DePAI DAO
To address the impending employment crisis, DePAI is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the ownership of physical AI and benefit from the machine economy. However, the reality is that robotic devices are expensive. Whether it’s industrial robotic arms, a fleet of delivery drones, or an autonomous vehicle, ordinary people find it hard to afford.
This is where decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) play a key role, especially those focused on robotics and physical AI. These organizations provide ordinary people with investment opportunities in DePAI, regardless of their purchasing power or geographical location, while also establishing mechanisms for coordinating funding and decision-making with industry experts.
For example, XMAQUINA DAO is an organization focused on robotics and physical AI. They not only foresee the rise of the DePAI model but also propose a framework that allows individuals and communities to seize opportunities in this technological transformation.
XMAQUINA—Your DePAI Mentor
Currently, the global economy is undergoing two profound transformations: 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 around the clock. 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 creates a framework for shared ownership, governance, and development of decentralized robotics technology. 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 lies not only in shared ownership but also in governance. Machine decision-making in the real world requires oversight. If rules are set by a centralized company, those rules may primarily serve the company's interests. DAOs provide a transparent way for communities to collectively decide how machines operate, how they interact with humans, and who benefits from them. All decisions are made in a public environment rather than behind closed doors.
Moreover, in the face of automation's impact on employment, DAOs offer a way for people to actively participate. Individuals can fund, manage, or benefit from physical AI rather than passively accepting the fate of being replaced. Instead of watching large companies monopolize everything, it is better to fight for a place for oneself through DAOs.
How is DePAI DAO different from ordinary DAOs?
Most DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) primarily focus on digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), or governance models that operate entirely online. In contrast, DePAI DAO focuses on real-world businesses and machines, such as robots, sensor networks, and autonomous vehicles. These machines require ongoing maintenance, coordination, and management, so the challenges faced by DePAI DAO go far beyond traditional DAO token staking or governance proposals. They must delegate the daily management of machine fleets to companies capable of executing tasks in the physical world, ensuring efficient operation.
Additionally, the governance approach of DePAI DAO is 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 governance systems that can address the behavioral norms of robots in public spaces, data usage transparency, and income distribution rules. For example, a DAO managing delivery drones not only needs to coordinate the flight paths of the drones to ensure safety but also needs to devise a plan for how to distribute profits among members. This complex governance requirement makes DePAI DAO functionally closer to real-world business management.
Taking XMAQUINA DAO as an example, it is a DAO focused on physical AI that achieves shared ownership, governance, and co-creation under one framework. By participating in the financing of physical AI companies, XMAQUINA DAO allows ordinary members to gain investment opportunities in the robotics industry without needing to become venture capitalists or private equity fund managers. At the same time, XMAQUINA DAO has its own development lab, focusing on open-source project development and incubating new physical AI projects. Its distributed governance structure ensures that funding control 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 becomes an increasingly important issue. DePAI DAO offers a new solution that not only allocates ownership and decision-making power but also shares the risks and rewards of automation with a broader community. In this way, the machine economy remains open, transparent, and driven by community development.
Why DePAI is Important
After understanding the definition and operation of DePAI, one cannot help but ask: why is it so important?
The rapid development of AI brings tremendous potential for improving human life, but it also comes with some concerning issues, the most critical of which is centralization. Today, the data, models, and infrastructure driving AI are mostly controlled by a few large companies. Do we really want such a profoundly transformative technology to be monopolized by a few?
DePAI offers a brand new solution by democratizing robotics technology and redefining the rules of the game. It ensures that the communities 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 one hand, this decentralized model provides more people with the tools and data resources to drive innovation in physical AI, thereby sparking greater technological breakthroughs. More importantly, it directly addresses two global issues: job displacement and economic inequality.
By allowing ordinary people to own a part of physical AI and participate in the machine economy, DePAI paves the way for a more inclusive future. In this future, AI does not just serve a few resource-controlling enterprises but brings benefits to all humanity.
Challenges DePAI Needs to Overcome
As an emerging technology, DePAI inevitably faces many challenges in realizing its vision.
The first is the scalability issue; whether in terms of data volume or computing power, the current infrastructure is still insufficient to support large-scale physical AI applications. Although some DePINs currently provide the necessary data and computing support, more resource investment is needed to achieve widespread application of physical AI.
Secondly, there is the issue of infrastructure construction. Physical AI needs to process large amounts of real-world data in real-time, including collection, analysis, and execution of operations. For example, autonomous vehicles need to navigate independently 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 places extremely high demands on high-speed data transmission.
Although some computational tasks can be completed off-chain through edge computing, a significant amount of transactions and critical data verification still rely on on-chain processing. This "dual-track" model requires both robust off-chain computing capabilities and 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 manufacturers join, 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 communication requires implementation at both the hardware level—ensuring that 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 underlying technological architecture.
From an infrastructure perspective, different networks and protocols must enable data sharing, execution of cross-chain transactions, and coordination of machine operations. These operations need to overcome differences in governance mechanisms, economic models, and incentive structures. Without this interoperability, the DePAI ecosystem could become fragmented, preventing it from functioning as a unified, decentralized machine economy. For example, if delivery drones and autonomous vehicles cannot share real-time traffic data, their efficiency will be significantly reduced, potentially leading to safety issues.
Fortunately, these problems are gradually being addressed. Currently, an increasing number of DePINs based on peaq have begun to collect large amounts of real-world data that can be used by AI models to optimize decision-making and operations. Meanwhile, peaq's blockchain infrastructure boasts a high throughput of over 500,000+ TPS transactions per second, ensuring that these DePINs can operate stably within a broader machine economy. Additionally, the peaq verify framework can validate this data, ensuring its authenticity and reliability.
However, the challenges in the field of interoperability are more complex. Manufacturers need to establish and adopt unified standards and protocols for the growing number of physical devices. A noteworthy existing standard is peaq IDs, which provide a universal protocol that allows machines to recognize, interact, and share data with each other. For example, through peaq IDs, smart home devices can collaborate with delivery robots to enable seamless package reception and storage.
How to Learn More About DePAI
Has all this discussion about DePAI sparked your interest? If you want 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 not only help collect the data needed for advanced intelligent AI models to operate in the real world but also provide corresponding rewards for your contributions. For instance, by participating in data sharing, you may receive tokens or other forms of economic compensation. If you're unsure how to get started, consider following the ongoing “Get Real” initiative, which is designed for newcomers and will guide you step-by-step on your DePIN exploration journey.
If you want to participate more directly in the development of physical AI, such as actually owning your own robot, be sure not to miss the latest updates from XMAQUINA DAO. Their Genesis auction event is about to enter its second phase, presenting a fantastic 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 a robot but also secure a place in the future machine economy.
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