IoTeX Unveils Decentralized AI Hub in Partnership with Vodafone and Filecoin

The decentralized identity protocol IoTeX has introduced the Real-World AI Foundry, a global effort to create open, decentralized, blockchain-driven artificial intelligence.

During the R3al World AI Summit at Singapore’s Token2049 conference, IoTeX launched the initiative in partnership with founding Alignment Partners such as Vodafone, the Blockchain Association, Filecoin, Theta Network, Aethir, and more.

The Foundry seeks to disrupt conventional AI systems, which IoTeX describes as “closed-source, expensive, and controlled by a select few.” A representative stated to Cointelegraph, “Real-World AI necessitates the opposite: open collaboration where live, trusted data from machines, individuals, and sensors flows into shared models.”

The representative further emphasized that blockchain is critical for securely recording this data, while crypto incentivizes global participation. “Users can contribute data, computation, or validation and earn rewards each time an AI agent or model accesses these verified data streams,” they stated.

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Real-World Models offer live AI

Central to the initiative are Real-World Models (RWMs), intelligent systems trained on real-time data from machines, sensors, and human engagement. These models are designed to comprehend cause and effect, adapt to shifting environments, and provide immediate responses in crucial sectors such as mobility, energy, healthcare, and robotics.

“Instead of merely distributing computation or hosting agents, the Foundry establishes the first open ecosystem of RWMs, governed collectively to guarantee interoperability, accountability, and alignment with human values,” the IoTeX representative remarked.

The Foundry will initially utilize real-world data from IoTeX’s existing network of over 40 million connected devices. These devices can volunteer as trusted data sources through ioID, a decentralized identity protocol that verifies authenticity while safeguarding personal information. Data privacy is maintained using encryption and zero-knowledge proofs.

Data contributors, infrastructure partners, and model builders will be compensated based on the quality and utilization of their contributions, monitored through onchain registries.

IoTeX mentioned that governance will commence with working groups set up by Alignment Partners, evolving over time to incorporate token-based voting and other decentralized mechanisms, ensuring no single entity governs the ecosystem.

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Decentralized AI gains traction

In August, Swarm Network raised $13 million to develop a decentralized AI verification protocol. This protocol aims to convert offchain data into verifiable onchain information and has already supported fact-checking for over 3 million posts via Rollup News.