For the past few years, the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency (crypto) has been touted as the next big thing in tech. AI crypto tokens have reached market caps of over $1 billion, but despite this massive investor interest, user demand has yet to follow suit.
The Average User’s Perspective
When asked about their favorite AI program for everyday use, most users will mention programs like ChatGPT, Brave’s Leo search app, or Microsoft’s Copilot. However, rarely will a user state that they use a blockchain or crypto protocol. Is this lack of adoption due to a lack of understanding or a perceived lack of value?
GPU Demand is Growing
Guarav Sharma, chief technology officer of AI project IO, argues that the current centralized cloud computing systems are unable to meet the growing demand for graphical processing units (GPUs). Decentralized blockchain projects like IO can solve this problem by creating a marketplace for GPU power.
"Today’s centralized cloud computing systems simply can’t keep up with the demand for GPUs," Sharma explained. "Decentralized platforms like IO can provide access to a global pool of resources, allowing developers to build AI models without being limited by geographical constraints or scalability issues."
Initial Model Offerings (IMOs)
Ron Chan, co-founder of Inference Labs, suggests that blockchain provides the only means to attain truly autonomous AI. By using IMOs, developers can raise funds for model training and development while maintaining transparency through open-source software.
"Decentralized AI fulfills a different need than centralized AI," Chan stated. "It’s freeform — its development is driven by market demand, creating conditions for human-centric innovation with the power to solve great challenges."
The Challenges of Verifying AI Inference
Chan acknowledged that distinguishing between human and AI projects can be difficult or even impossible. To verify true autonomy, the AI must have exclusive control, verifiable independence, and irrevocable delegation.
"How can observers verify there isn’t a human operator making decisions behind the scenes?" Chan asked rhetorically. "The answer is to give the AI exclusive control, verifiable independence, and irrevocable delegation."
Blockchain AI Apps of the Future
While consumer-facing blockchain AI apps may not be as widespread as superstar software like ChatGPT, there are several examples that showcase the potential of this technology.
Wong referenced OLMChat, a chat app created through ORA, while Chan discussed an aircraft-tracking AI venture and a liquid staking app developed by Inference Labs. These apps may have small user bases today, but they hold promise for a future where blockchain AI really will revolutionize the world.
The Greatest Benefits May Come Later
While it’s difficult to predict exactly when and how blockchain AI will benefit society, the interviewees all had high hopes that this technology will truly revolutionize the world. The greatest benefits may come later, but they could be worth waiting for.
In conclusion, the convergence of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency is a rapidly evolving field with much potential. While user adoption has been slow to date, the benefits of blockchain AI are likely to be significant in the long run. As this technology continues to develop, we can expect to see new innovations and applications that will change the way we interact with the world around us.
References:
- Chan, R., & Wong, J. (2022). Initial model offerings: A new paradigm for AI development.
- Sharma, G., & team. (2022). IO: A decentralized platform for GPU access.
- Chan, R. (2022). Inference Labs: A blockchain-based AI platform.
Related Topics:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cryptocurrency
- Decentralized computing
- Initial model offerings
- Blockchain AI apps
