# AI Ventures Beyond Content to the Physical World, Introducing Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI)

NVIDIA’s recent introduction of the concept of ‘Physical AI’ marks a significant step forward in the AI landscape. Now, the cryptocurrency ecosystem is taking this a step further with ‘Decentralized Physical AI’ (DePAI), combining aspects of robotics, artificial intelligence, Web3, and decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) into a cohesive new paradigm.

# What is DePAI?

DePAI is not merely a network of AI-enabled hardware. It comprises autonomous robots that function independently in the real world, aiming for a completely decentralized system of operation and data management. While conventional generative AIs react to human commands, DePAI consists of agent-type AIs equipped with physical bodies, capable of making autonomous decisions and performing complex tasks such as health data analysis, meal planning, and automatic ordering without human intervention.

# Who Controls DePAI?

The defining feature of DePAI is its governance structure. Messari, a research and data analytics firm, outlines DePAI as a model that decentralizes the authority and ownership structure of Physical AI, posing an alternative to the traditional big-tech centric model.

# The Seven Layers of DePAI

The DePAI ecosystem integrates various technologies across seven layers:
1. **Agent-Type AI**: Autonomous AI capable of making decisions and taking actions.
2. **Robotics Hardware**: Mechanical bodies functioning in the real world.
3. **Data Network**: Real-world information required for AI learning and actions.
4. **Spatial Intelligence**: Virtual space that enables AI to perceive and react to the real world.
5. **Decentralized Infrastructure Network (DePIN)**: Supplies essential resources such as storage, computing, and energy.
6. **Machine Economy**: Facilitates interactions and transactions between AIs and robots using blockchain technology.
7. **DePAI DAO**: A decentralized organization managing the ownership and operation of robots collectively.

DePAI DAOs, such as XMAQUINA, are already running funding structures for these projects, promoting open governance within the Physical AI sector. This allows everyday users to invest in and share in the profits from physical AI projects.

# Technical Challenges and Economic Implications

For DePAI to become a reality, significant technical challenges need to be addressed. These include the scalability of data and computing resources, real-time data processing, and achieving interoperability between diverse robots and AI models. The PEAQ blockchain-based DePIN ecosystem is working on these issues, claiming it can connect countless robots, AIs, and data networks in real-time, with a processing capability of over 500,000 transactions per second.

Ultimately, DePAI aims to distribute the value created by robots and AI back to users and communities, moving away from the centralized AI model dominated by corporates. This new structure intends to democratize the ownership of robots, allowing anyone to become stakeholders in the machine economy.

# The Vision of DePAI

The vision driving DePAI is clear: to turn AI into a shared asset. Instead of being controlled by a few large corporations, DePAI aims to build a Physical AI ecosystem that is collectively created and enjoyed by participants worldwide.