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

Author: peaq

Compiled by: Deep Tide TechFlow

NVIDIA introduced the concept of "physical AI (Physical AI)" at CES. Nowadays, "Decentralized Physical AI (Decentralized Physical AI, DePAI)" has become a hot topic in the crypto space. So, what is DePAI? What does it have to do with bots? What conditions do these robots need in the machine economy (Machine Economy) proposed by PEAQ to operate as decentralized physical AI?

DePAI: When C3PO meets Web3

Another new term was born. DePAI, which stands for Decentralized Physical AI (Decentralized Physical AI), has recently become a hot topic in the crypto industry. The concept was introduced by Messari after NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang (Jensen Huang) first popularized the concept of "physical AI (Physical AI)" at CES in January 2025. The new term DePAI has sparked a lot of discussion in the industry, and it's certainly worth noting.

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

So, why do you need to pay attention to it? If you are a member of the workforce, you may already have concerns 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 an important driver of the future global economy, providing us with a way to handle and mitigate the disruptive impact brought by AI.

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

Let's delve into it.

What is DePAI?

From a literal perspective, "Decentralized Physical AI (Decentralized Physical AI)" may not seem like a completely new concept. After all, the technology of decentralized physical hardware networks providing computational power for AI models already exists. However, DePAI is not limited to decentralized computational power, its significance goes far beyond that.

DePAI is a broader concept that involves 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 also relies on the support of crowdsourced data, which helps machines perceive the world and interact with the environment. At the same time, it also needs a complete set of 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 embodied AI, not only can 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 has become as popular as Google, Netflix, or daily used social media. However, just two years ago, almost no one had heard of the existence of ChatGPT.

Even more astonishingly, artificial intelligence has made a leap in development in a short period of time. From the initial focus on content generation with Generative AI (Generative AI), to evolving into intelligent agents capable of making decisions with Agentic AI (Agentic AI), this transformation is remarkable. For example,

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

Smart AI: It can not only analyze your health data, develop 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.

The shift from reactive generative AI to agent AI for proactive decision-making is already a huge leap. And when the agent AI has a physical "body" and begins to perform tasks in the real world, the possibilities in the future will be even greater. Yes, the age of robotics has arrived, and AI industry giants like NVIDIA are leading the way.

However, centralized AI, especially centralized physical AI, also brings many challenges and risks. For example, where do AI models need to obtain data to understand and interact with the physical world?

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? In the end, who will profit from it? Are we moving towards a future where large enterprises earn huge profits, while ordinary people can only rely on basic income (UBI) relief? Or is there another possibility?

The answer lies within DePAI.

The significance of DePAI to physical AI is just like the significance of DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network) to physical infrastructure—it is an upgrade that returns the power monopolized by a few companies to the hands of the common 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, for robots to operate efficiently as decentralized physical AI in the global machine economy, they also need to rely on several other key layers. And as we will see, DePIN plays a crucial role in these layers.

The seven core levels of DePAI

You may have noticed that DePAI is an extremely complex system. Building a truly operational machine economy (Machine Economy) is far more than just attaching a Ledger to an Optimus robot.

A truly autonomous physical AI (DePAI) requires the following seven key levels of support:

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

Software layer: Agent AI models that run on robots. These models give robots autonomy, allowing them to perform complex tasks.

Data layer: Data is the core enabler of physical AI learning and evolution. Without high-quality data, AI can't adapt to the dynamics of the real world.

Spatial Intelligence Layer: This layer enables robots to understand the environment and interact with the physical world, such as identifying objects, planning paths, or sensing danger.

Infrastructure network layer: Provides critical resources such as storage, computing power, energy, and more. These resources are necessary to keep physical AI running.

Machine Economic Layer: integrating 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.

Together, these seven layers build the complete ecosystem of DePAI. Let's dive into the specific functions and meanings of each of these levels.

AI intelligent agent

In the previous discussion, we have already mentioned the importance of agent AI (Agentic AI). Here's a quick recap: Agent AI is AI systems that can plan, decide, act, and perform tasks autonomously without human intervention.

These intelligent agents typically focus on specific types of tasks, such as logistics optimization or home assistants, but in more complex scenarios, multiple intelligent agents can also be integrated into one machine to collaborate on a variety of tasks. In the context of DePAI, AI intelligent agents can be seen as the 'consciousness' of the machine. Yes, we are continuously moving in this direction.

Robot

Robots are at the core of 'physical' in 'physical AI'. They are the hardware platforms on which AI systems run, and also the bridge for AI to interact with the real world. From autonomous vehicles and industrial machinery to surgical assistants, and to 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 translating AI theory into practical applications.

Data Network

AI can't run without data, especially large amounts of high-quality data. Fortunately, DePINs like MapMetrics, Silencio, Teneo, SkyX, and Hyperway have amassed a wealth of real-world data that can power advanced AI models. By leveraging this existing information, the agent AI (Agentic AI) is able to not only learn how the real world works, but also make decisions in real time based on accurate, verifiable data sets. For example, a self-driving car can use this data to understand the city's traffic conditions and plan the best route to drive.

Space Intelligence

If data networks help AI understand real-world operating rules, the spatial intelligence layer enables AI-powered machines to navigate and interact with the real world in real time. 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 that is synchronized with the real world, or even further, a "metaverse" version of the real world made up of decentralized, autonomous AI. In this virtual environment, physical AI agents can learn how to recognize objects, plan paths, and even predict potential hazards.

The implementation of this layer also relies on the spatial data provided by DePINs, but it does much more than that. Certain specialized DePINs can also create virtual training scenarios, providing a "digital playground" for physical AI to better understand and adapt to real-world complexities.

Infrastructure Network

Infrastructure networks (e.g. DePINs) are the cornerstone of the entire physical AI ecosystem. They provide all the underlying resources needed for AI and robotics operation, such as computing or data storage, energy supply, and even decentralized internet and energy grid networks.

Machine Economy

In the machine economy (Machine Economy), the Layer-1 blockchain is a 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 machine standards (such as unique identification IDs) and protocols that enable autonomous robots to collaborate and interact efficiently in the physical world, but also provides the infrastructure for applications and transactions that support a seamless combination of all applications and machines. Essentially, it constructs a globalized machine economy market.

More importantly, this blockchain ensures that robots act in the best interests of humans through incentive and penalty mechanisms, and these interests are determined by humans through voting. In addition, 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 companies. It also paves the way for decentralized resource allocation mechanisms, promoting a more equitable distribution of wealth.

DePAI DAO

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

At this point, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have played a crucial role, especially those focused on robotics technology 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 technology and physical AI. They not only anticipated the rise of the DePAI model, but also took the lead in proposing a framework that enables individuals and communities to seize the opportunity in this technological revolution.

XMAQUINA - Your DePAI mentor

Currently, the global economy is undergoing two profound transformations: digital AI is replacing white-collar jobs, while physical AI is reshaping 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 returns?

This is where decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) come into play. Take XMAQUINA DAO as an example, it creates a framework for shared ownership, governance, and development of decentralized robot technology. Through this platform, the community, 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 decide how machines operate, interact with people, and who can benefit from it. All decisions are made in a public environment rather than behind closed doors.

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 standing by and letting big companies monopolize everything, it's better to fight for a place for yourself through DAOs.

What is 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. 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 the machine cluster to companies capable of actually executing tasks in the physical world, thereby achieving efficient operation.

In addition, the governance of DePAI DAO is significantly different. Unlike financial DAOs that only need to 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 the behavior 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 drones' operation routes to ensure safety, but also needs to devise a scheme for distributing profits to members. This complex governance requirement makes DePAI DAO functionally closer to real-world corporate management.

TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE XMAQUINA DAO, WHICH IS A DAO FOCUSED ON PHYSICAL AI, ENABLING CO-OWNERSHIP, CO-GOVERNANCE, AND CO-CREATION UNDER A SINGLE FRAMEWORK. BY PARTICIPATING IN THE FINANCING OF PHYSICAL AI COMPANIES, THE XMAQUINA DAO MAKES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ROBOTICS INDUSTRY ACCESSIBLE TO ORDINARY MEMBERS WITHOUT HAVING TO BECOME VENTURE CAPITALISTS OR PRIVATE EQUITY FUNDS. AT THE SAME TIME, XMAQUINA DAO HAS ITS OWN DEVELOPMENT LAB, WHICH FOCUSES ON OPEN-SOURCE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND INCUBATES NEW PHYSICAL AI PROJECTS. Its distributed governance structure ensures that control of funds is fully shared by DAO members, allowing for 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 provides a new solution that not only allocates ownership and decision-making power, but also automatically shares risks and rewards with a wider community. In this way, the machine economy can remain open, transparent, and driven by the community.

Why is DePAI important

After understanding what DePAI is and how it works, 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 provides 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 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, thus sparking greater technological breakthroughs. More importantly, it directly addresses two global issues: job displacement and economic inequality.

By making it possible for ordinary people to own a piece of physical AI and participate in the machine economy, DePAI paves the way for a more inclusive future. In this future, AI will not just serve a few companies that control resources, but will bring benefits to all of humanity.

DePAI needs to overcome challenges

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

First, there is the issue of scalability, whether it is data volume 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 need to be invested to achieve widespread application of physical AI.

Next is the issue of infrastructure construction. Physical AI needs to process a large amount of data from the real world in real time, including collection, analysis, and execution of operations. For example, autonomous driving cars 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 places extremely high demands on high-speed data transmission.

Although some computing tasks can be completed off-chain through edge computing, there are still a large number of transactions and critical data verification that rely on on-chain processing. This "dual-track" mode requires both powerful off-chain computing capabilities and efficient blockchain networks to support overall operation.

Interoperability: Key Issues 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, 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 each other and collaborate, regardless of their underlying technical 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, resulting in 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, and it may even lead to safety issues.

Fortunately, these issues are gradually being resolved. Currently, an increasing number of DePINs based on peaq 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 that these DePINs can operate stably in a broader machine economy. In addition, the peaq verify framework can verify these data to ensure their authenticity and reliability.

However, the challenges in the interoperability field are even more complex. Manufacturers need to establish and adopt uniform standards and protocols for the increasing number of physical devices. One existing standard worth considering is peaq IDs, which has provided a set of common 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 receiving and storage.

How to get a deeper understanding of DePAI

Has all the 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 using DePINs built on peaq today. These networks not only help gather the data needed for advanced intelligent AI models to operate 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 follow the ongoing 'Get Real' campaign, designed specifically for beginners, to guide you step by step on the journey of exploring DePINs.

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 news from XMAQUINA DAO. Their Genesis auction phase two is about to start, which is a great opportunity for you to become a part of the machine economy and own your own physical AI assets. By participating in the auction, you can not only acquire ownership of the robot, but also secure a place in the future machine economy.