As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate the tech landscape, the need for robust and scalable data storage solutions is greater than ever. AI practitioners benefit from the use of blockchain technology because it allows them to secure vast datasets in an open, permissionless way. Many of the top AI-blockchain projects are pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible with cryptography and computer sciences. Also, these projects are helping to solve real-world problems by optimizing business practices and automating everyday tasks.

In this article, we dive deep into the world of AI and blockchain. We discuss the fundamental concepts of each of these technologies. Plus, we explore the reasons that AI and blockchain are such a powerful pair. Also, we outline some of the top AI-blockchain projects to watch out for in 2022 and why they are becoming so popular.

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What is a Blockchain?

Before we take a look at the top AI-blockchain projects, let’s first recap the technology behind these projects. A blockchain is a distributed database or ledger that was popularized by cryptocurrency networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Traditional databases tend to rely on siloed, centralized servers with a single-point-of-failure. However, blockchains use a distributed network of nodes that help to keep the network secure and preserve the integrity of any data that enters the ledger. Also, public blockchain networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum are decentralized. This means they have no central authority and operate outside of the traditional financial ecosystem.

Each node within a blockchain network can validate the data other nodes add to the blockchain. Plus, any node can quickly identify any false or incorrect data. Also, special nodes called “mining nodes” compete to solve complex math puzzles so that they can earn the right to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. Plus, miners have a financial incentive to act honestly, as any attempt to defraud the network would result in a loss of earnings.

Blockchains use a data structure that makes it incredibly difficult for any bad actor to hack them. Each transaction is entered into a block of transactions, which are immutably interlinked. Furthermroe, when a block is full, a miner can append it to the blockchain. From here, each block is also immutably interconnected with every block that comes before and after. Accordingly, anyone attempting to defraud the network would have to manipulate every transaction that has ever taken place on the network to have any chance of success.

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What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of computer science popularized by mathematician Alan Turing after World War II. AI practitioners can program smart machines that mimic human intelligence for learning and problem-solving. Popular subsets of AI include machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). Machine learning refers to computer programs that can learn from datasets autonomously without humans. Furthermore, deep learning is an extension of machine learning that allows smart machines to learn autonomously from vast and varied datasets.

Blog  Top AI-Blockchain Projects

AI can be further categorized into “weak AI” and “strong AI”. Generally speaking, weak AI focuses on single tasks, while strong AI refers to more nuanced and complex tasks. Although much of what we recognize as strong AI is largely theoretical, many experts warn about the potential dangers of AI if the learning ability of machines exceeds that of humans. However, blockchain technology provides a robust framework for maintaining data integrity across colossal datasets.

The use cases for AI are broad and varied. Some of the most popular applications for AI include data management, healthcare, supply chain management, finance, and entertainment. Also, some of the top AI-blockchain projects are already finding novel use cases for these emerging technologies. Save our “AI and Blockchain” article for later to learn more about artificial intelligence and how it works with Web3 technologies!

Top AI-Blockchain Projects

Blockchains give AI practitioners with an immutable, distributed database. This provides a high level of data integrity and reliability. Also, it allows AI practitioners to push the boundaries of what many thought possible with AI. Below, we take a look at some of the top AI-blockchain projects and the technologies they are developing.

SingularityNET

SingularityNet is a blockchain-powered AI marketplace. It enables developers to participate in a decentralized data economy. AI practitioners can use the platform to monetize AI algorithms and datasets. Also, the platform uses smart contracts to automate the exchange of data on the blockchain. Additionally, SingularityNET creates bespoke tooling for businesses that significantly lower the costs associated with AI services.

Furthermore, the platform uses self-learning algorithms to optimize over time. The project aims to increase the use cases for AI while making it more accessible. In turn, SingularityNET aims to create a robust regulatory framework for AI that expedites the development of beneficial AI. This is thanks to a reputation system that governs the data marketplace.

The SingularityNet ecosystem provides a decentralized platform that benefits from a community governance model. As such, the future direction of the project cannot be dictated by a powerful individual or group. Also, many believe that this type of on-chain governance is essential to the rapid and sustainable development of AI and could play a crucial role in preventing it from becoming a significant threat to human life.

DeepBrain Chain

DeepBrain Chain is a highly-performant distributed computing network that aims to create “the infrastructure for the 5G + AIoT era” by advancing the field of AI development to accommodate internet of things (IoT) smart devices. Furthermore, the platform facilitates the creation of decentralized neural networks that reduce costs for users.

Furthermore, DeepBrain Chain uses smart contracts to minimize trust between participants and separate data trainers from data merchants. As such, data providers can share proprietary data without disclosing it to data training practitioners. This forms the basis of a dynamic data economy that encourages participation industry-wide.

Established in 2016, the DeepBrain Chain network now consists of over 200,000 users connecting to over 500 models of proprietary smart devices. The platform provides cutting-edge blockchain-powered AI and deep learning services for game developers, and graphic designers. Plus, developers can integrate DeepBrain Chain with other popular external deep learning frameworks and create bespoke cloud computing networks.

Fetch.AI

Established in 2017, Fetch.ai is a blockchain-based machine learning and AI network. As one of the top AI-blockchain projects around, Fetch.ai is laying the foundations for the next generation of AI-powered decentralized applications (dapps). The platform uses a concept known as “Autonomous Economic Agents”, also known as “digital twins”. Digital twins allow AI practitioners to create powerful dapps and products for data-sensitive sectors like healthcare and supply chain management. The use cases for Fetch.ai include automating crypto trading, optimizing transportation networks, and use in smart energy systems. 

The Fetch.ai blockchain is a Cosmos-based multi-chain protocol. The WASM-based smart contract programming language “Cosmwasm” enables developers to implement advanced machine learning and cryptography on the blockchain. Plus, the platform gives anyone access to open, permissionless machine learning networks with an expansive token economy to lower the barrier to entry to AI and democratize access to vast datasets.

The Fetch.ai blockchain uses a modified version of the Cosmos Tendermint Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Furthermore, the inter-blockchain communication (IBC) protocol enables Fetch.ai to interoperate with other Cosmos-based blockchains. This technology is at the forefront of AI and blockchain development and is becoming commonplace sector-wide. This includes applications for urban mobility, finance, collective learning, predictive maintenance, and early warning systems for cancer.  

NVIDIA Omniverse

NVIDIA is a leading technology company responsible for popularizing the graphics processing unit (GPU) . The NVIDIA Omniverse project is an open-source, multi-GPU interactive virtual development platform and one of the top AI-Blockchian projects. It combines a series of modular, interoperable, and highly-scalable development tools to help artists, designers, and businesses create next-generation real-time simulation and 3D design technologies. Also, the platform provides an expansive suite of AI tools to optimize the design and development processes using AI and blockchain.

The platform changes the fundamental principles of complex design workflows using elements of Pixar’s Universal Scene Description (USD) technology. This allows researchers, engineers, and developers to create bespoke applications and services. Furthemore, NVIDEA Omniverse boasts a highly-modular design that makes it straightforward for anyone to integrate these applications into other technologies. 

Blackbird.AI

Blackbird.AI is a blockchain-powered AI platform that enables businesses and organizations to identify false information or data manipulation that could result in financial loss or reputational damage. The proprietary Disinfo Cloud Platform is an AI-driven cloud computing platform that serves governments and some of the most prominent companies in various sectors.

Established by a multidisciplinary team of experts in AI, behavioral psychology, and national security, the platform enables users to proactively analyze potential threats to reputation or wealth. The aim of the project is to protect users from narrative manipulation and highlight disinformation that results in financial and reputational costs.

Why Does AI Need Blockchain?

AI practitioners require a resilient framework for storing huge datasets. The potential for data manipulation raises the issue of trust between parties. However, blockchains remedy this by creating a digital footprint of verifiable data provenance. This makes it easy to identify who has used data, while enabling multiple parties to use sensitive data without understanding the nature of it.

Furthermore, the blockchain in AI allows regulators to create a secure, dynamic framework to safeguard the future of AI without restricting innovation. Blockchains create a transparent audit trail that ensures data integrity for users and providers. This lays the foundations for an open, permissionless, scaleable, and collaborative data economy.

Top AI-Blockchain Projects – Summary 

The concept of a global brain or “singularity” is edging ever closer to becoming a reality. Technology plays an increasingly prominent role in our daily lives, with applications and technologies interoperating in a web of communications and interactions. The top AI-blockchain projects covered in this article represent just a fraction of the groundbreaking projects at the cutting-edge of these technologies. In the near future, we can expect AI practitioners and blockchain programmers to continue working in harmony to lower the barrier to entry for AI and provide a robust framework for storing vast datasets securely.

Moreover, the pairing of AI and blockchain enables developers in each field to combine resources, increase efficiencies, and develop the next generation of digital products and services.

There has never been a better time to learn a new skill in an emerging industry. Blockchain programmers are in extremely high demand sector-wide. As such, they can command a handsome salary. If you want to become a blockchain developer but have no coding experience, check out the JavaScript Programming for Blockchain Developers course at Moralis Academy. In this course, we teach students how to build a decentralized exchange (DEX) from scratch on Ethereum. Take your first steps towards a life-changing career in Web3 development with Moralis Academy!

Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @MoralisAcademy! We’d love to hear your thoughts about the top AI-blockchain projects. Additionally, see our “How to Invest During a Crypto Bear Market” and “Understanding Crypto Crashes” articles to learn how to navigate market downturns and safeguard your wealth!