Artificial intelligence (AI) has been revolutionizing various industries, and the cryptocurrency space is no exception. The convergence of blockchain technology and AI has given rise to a new type of digital asset known as AI crypto tokens. In this beginner’s guide to AI tokens, we will explore what they are, how they work, and highlight some of the most prominent AI cryptocurrencies in the market.
AI tokens are cryptocurrencies that support AI-based projects, applications, and services within the blockchain ecosystem. These tokens play three pivotal roles. Firstly, they facilitate transactions by serving as a medium of exchange within AI-powered platforms. Users can use these tokens to pay for services, access data, and participate in platform activities.
Secondly, AI tokens are crucial in enabling protocol governance. Some tokens confer governance rights to their holders, empowering them to participate in decision-making processes that shape the development and direction of the AI project or platform.
Lastly, AI tokens incentivize users to contribute towards the growth of the AI protocol or project. Users may receive rewards in tokens for contributing data, providing computational resources, or developing AI applications.
AI crypto tokens typically work in the following ways:
1. Token creation: Projects create tokens on a blockchain platform, often using standards like Ethereum’s ERC-20 or Binance Smart Chain’s BEP-20.
2. Creation of smart contracts: These self-executing contracts define how tokens are used in AI-related services.
3. Token issuance: The project behind the AI crypto token typically issues it during its token sale or genesis block.
4. Token utilization: Users acquire tokens through exchanges, staking, or participating in the platform’s ecosystem. They can then use these tokens to access services, pay fees, and participate in governance.
5. Integration with AI platforms: The project links the tokens with platforms offering AI services. Token holders can use them to access machine learning models, data analysis, or other AI functionalities.
6. Decentralization: Many AI token projects aim for decentralization, giving token holders a say in key decision-making processes.
7. Incentives: Some projects use tokens to incentivize those who contribute resources like computing power or data to the network. The specifics can vary widely depending on the project.
The crypto AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with many projects addressing various aspects of the space. Here are the top five leading AI tokens based on market capitalization:
1. Injective (INJ): The Injective Chain is a decentralized exchange and derivatives trading platform powered by the INJ token. It enables advanced trading tools, leveraging AI for optimized order execution, strategy testing, and predictive analytics. INJ currently has the highest market cap among AI tokens, standing at $B.
2. The Graph (GRT): The Graph is an indexing protocol for organizing blockchain data, allowing for easy querying for AI analytics. GRT is the second-largest AI token by market cap, currently valued at $B. It coordinates the decentralized network of nodes known as Indexers, who earn the rights to index and serve application data by staking their GRT.
3. Render (RNDR): Render Token enables a decentralized GPU cloud computing network for high-demand AI and ML training rendering tasks. Users stake and lock up RNDR tokens for access to GPUs, and the project rewards Render Farm suppliers in RNDR for leasing out graphics horsepower capacity. RNDR has a market cap of $B.
4. Theta Token (THETA): The Theta token powers the Theta decentralized video delivery network. It aims to provide improved video streaming quality and reduced costs through AI and ML innovations. Users and relay nodes earn THETA tokens for sharing bandwidth resources. THETA currently has a market cap of $M.
5. Oasis Network (ROSE): The Oasis Network uses a token-incentivized architecture to enable privacy-preserving AI computations on the blockchain. ROSE tokens have a market cap of $M.
These are just a few examples of the AI tokens making waves in the market. As the AI and cryptocurrency industries continue to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative projects emerge, further transforming the landscape.