Author: 137Labs Robots are evolving from closed systems into on-chain economic entities. With the maturation of AI, automation, and Web3 infrastructure, robots Author: 137Labs Robots are evolving from closed systems into on-chain economic entities. With the maturation of AI, automation, and Web3 infrastructure, robots

A comprehensive overview of the Web3 Robots sector: Capturing the next 100x opportunity.

2026/01/22 18:04
8 min read

Author: 137Labs

Robots are evolving from closed systems into on-chain economic entities. With the maturation of AI, automation, and Web3 infrastructure, robots are beginning to possess identity, incentives, and settlement capabilities, participating in real-world production and collaboration. This article systematically reviews the development background of the Web3 Robots sector and summarizes representative projects such as OpenMind, Konnex, peaq, Virtuals, Geodnet, and XMAQUINA, covering robot operating systems, decentralized physical labor markets, machine economy Layer 1, AI agent tokenization, and DePIN infrastructure. This helps readers quickly understand the current state, participation methods, and potential opportunities of this emerging sector.

Robots, once merely mechanical constructs in science fiction, have moved from laboratories to production lines, logistics centers, and service industries with the widespread adoption of Web2 architecture platforms and smart devices. Over the past decade, while machines have achieved partial automation, they remain constrained by closed platforms and centralized control. All of this is gradually changing with the emergence of Web3.

Robots are no longer just simple hardware; they are economic agents on the blockchain. The data they generate, the actions they perform, and the value they produce can all be recorded, incentivized, and traded. The combination of AI and robotics redefines the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds.

Below are some representative projects in this field or those frequently mentioned in community discussions, which participate in building the future of the robotics economy from different perspectives.

OpenMind

OpenMind is hailed as the "Android of robotics," developing OM1—the first fully open-source AI-native robot operating system (MIT License, GitHub 2.5k+ stars, 500+ global contributors). It supports mainstream hardware such as humanoids, quadrupeds, robotic arms, and mobile chassis, providing full-stack capabilities including localization, mapping, planning, remote monitoring, and human-robot takeover.

Its FABRIC layer is a decentralized AI control protocol that enables large-scale robot collaboration, trust networks, ZK auditing, machine authentication, and micro-payment incentives (in cooperation with Circle and others), allowing robots to share knowledge, coordinate tasks, and form a shared intelligent network.

Funding : In August 2025, the company completed a seed + Series A funding round of approximately $20 million, led by Pantera Capital, with participation from top institutions including Coinbase Ventures, Digital Currency Group, Ribbit, Sequoia China (now HongShan), and Primitive Ventures. The funds will be used to expand the engineering team, deploy the OM1 robot dog pilot program (10 units to be launched in September 2025 for testing in homes, schools, and public settings), and advance the FABRIC network.

Token issuance/TGE : There is no official TGE yet. Tokens (such as OMND) are expected to be launched in Q1-Q2 of 2026 (based on investor lineup and roadmap speculation).

Current participation points (extremely popular, highly recommended): Season 1 points program is active; earn points by contributing spatial data to train robot navigation AI; FABRIC Identity Network on Base is online, allowing you to mint identity NFTs and earn exclusive badges; the waitlist has over 150k applicants; free Mint OpenMind NFTs (requires a small amount of ETH); contribute to GitHub, participate in OM1 Beta testing, and follow Epoch/Season tasks on Discord/Twitter ( @openmind_agi ); join the waitlist on the official website openmind.org to accumulate points, with great potential for airdrops.

Konnex

Konnex is a Web3-native, permissionless decentralized marketplace for robotic intelligence and physical labor. It allows autonomous robots to sign contracts, trade AI intelligence, and settle transactions in stablecoins, aiming to create an "autonomous system GDP." Core technologies include Proof-of-Physical-Work (sensor data audit credentials → automatic payment), Universal Task Language (JSON universal task format breaking down vendor barriers), and Market-Priced AI Intelligence (validators compete for KPIs, with top models receiving royalties). Applications cover decentralized logistics, robotic kitchens, smart agriculture, and more, aiming to unlock a $25 trillion physical labor economy.

Team: CEO Jon Ollwerther (15+ years of robotics experience, 5 exits, over $100 million in funding, “40 Under 40”), advisors include drone swarm pioneers, etc.

Funding: In January 2026, the company completed a $15M strategic round, led/participated by Cogitent Ventures, Leland Ventures, Liquid Capital, Covey, M77 Ventures, and Block Maven LLC. The funds will be used for platform expansion, hardware integration, and the development of new verification protocols.

Token issuance/TGE: No tokens have been launched yet. The Konnex Points system is now open, and AirDrop has officially started.

Current participation point (most popular and ongoing): Airdrop is integrated via hub.konnex.world . Connect your wallet to complete Mandatory Quests to unlock more tasks → earn Konnex Points (with promotions such as x1.2x bonus); the cost is almost zero, and the community Daily Tasks are ongoing; it is strongly recommended to participate in the quests immediately to accumulate points; white paper konnex.world/wp ; follow up with updates on Twitter @konnex_world .

peaq (PEAQ)

PeaQ is a Layer-1 blockchain designed specifically for the machine economy, providing machine identities (peaq IDs), on-chain wallets, access control, and nanosecond-level time synchronization (Universal Machine Time), supporting autonomous transactions by millions of bots and devices. Features include tokenized robo-farm (such as the Hong Kong vertical farm pilot) and a Robotics SDK, enabling bots to autonomously earn money and distribute revenue; it already has 60+ real-world machine applications.

Funding: Total over $40M+ (including a $15M round in 2024, led by Animoca Brands, Borderless Capital, etc.).

Token issuance/TGE: Completed, mainnet active, market capitalization around $50-60M (fluctuating).

Current participation points: The Get Real campaign is ongoing (Season 2+, reward pool 210M $PEAQ, valued at approximately $100M+), where you earn XP/NP and claim tokens by completing real-world DePIN tasks and quests; there are still active leaderboards and claim windows, so it is recommended to visit the Peaq Get-Real Portal to check in/interact; in addition, there are Universal Basic Ownership Pilot and tokenized machine deployment opportunities.

Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)

Virtuals is an AI agent/bot tokenization launchpad that supports on-chain coordination and proxy monetization, suitable for gaming, entertainment, and bot scenarios. A key feature is its Pegasus/Unicorn ecosystem, allowing community participation in proxy launches, and the Butler tool supports staking and ACP Score ranking.

Funding: Multiple seed/IDO rounds, community-driven.

TGE: Launched at the end of 2023, it is mature, currently priced at around $0.8-1.0, with a market capitalization of $500M+, and is available on a highly liquid CEX (such as Gate.io ).

Current participation points: The weekly Epoch airdrop system is active (based on veVIRTUAL staking and Butler usage), with 2% going to stakers and 3% to ecosystem participants; Virgen Points farming earns points through tasks/holding; ecosystem agent launches often distribute 5% of tokens to the community; Epoch is still running, and it is recommended to connect your base wallet to app.virtuals.io to participate in the leaderboard and staking.

Geodnet (GEOD)

Geodnet is the world's largest decentralized RTK centimeter-level positioning network (based on Solana), providing high-precision navigation for robots, drones, and autonomous driving. A key feature is its real-money buyback and burning of data revenue (80% of data revenue is used for GEOD buyback).

Funding: Total $15M+ (multiple rounds from 2023-2025, including one led by Multicoin Capital).

Issuance of tokens/TGE: Completed, migration from Polygon to Solana (Migration Bonus has ended).

Current participation points: Node operators/data providers can continue to earn rewards; staking and mining reward mechanisms are active; pay attention to offline events; there are no new large airdrops, but buybacks are beneficial for holding; check node deployment on the official website geodnet.com .

XMAQUINA (DEUS)

XMAQUINA is a DePIN project where a DAO governs tokenized autonomous/humanoid robots, providing private humanoid robot companies with liquidity exposure and revenue sharing. Its key features include a "Robotics Bank" + Machine Economy Launchpad, where the DAO allocates capital to robotics companies (such as Apptronik and Figure AI) through a SubDAO mechanism.

Funding: $10.31M+ (3 rounds, including Genesis Auction).

TGE issuance: Public sale to be completed by the end of 2025 to the beginning of 2026 (in partnership with Virtuals, price $0.06), with transferability expected to be activated in January-February 2026; 33% TGE unlocked, 67% linear vesting.

Current participation points: DEUS holders participate in governance, voting, and revenue sharing; pay attention to DAO proposals, staking/revenue sharing; Launchpad is coming soon, and you can join the DAO or participate in the SubDAO through the official website xmaquina.io .

Robonomics (XRT)

Robonomics is one of the earliest Web3 robot/IoT coordination platforms (2018 beta), providing robot cloud services and smart contract task allocation. It features mature IoT integration.

Funding: Early-stage ICO.

TGE (Treasury Token): Listed on Kraken and other tokens in 2019, with a relatively small market capitalization.

Current participation point: network usage/staking, suitable for long-term holding; no large airdrops in the near future.

Other noteworthy projects include IoTeX (IOTX) (a mature IoT platform, listed on Binance), Auki (AUKI) (spatial computing), and Codec Flow, among other small-cap DePIN projects. The RootData Robot sector features many emerging projects still in testnet, with participation primarily through Discord/testnet platforms.

//////////////////

The robotics industry didn't emerge out of thin air; it's a result of the gradual maturation of automation, AI, and Web3 infrastructure. On-chain identity, incentives, and settlement mechanisms offer new possibilities for machines to participate in economic activities.

At this stage, the project is still primarily focused on building underlying capabilities, and large-scale real-world applications are still in their early stages. The token serves more as an ecosystem launch tool, and its long-term value depends on actual deployment and usage.

Whether robots will become an important part of Web3 remains to be seen. However, starting in 2024, this field has moved from a concept to a stage where it can be continuously observed.

We will continue to track the project progress, TGE status, and actual implementation in this field, and will update and supplement as necessary.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact [email protected] for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Botanix launches stBTC to deliver Bitcoin-native yield

Botanix launches stBTC to deliver Bitcoin-native yield

The post Botanix launches stBTC to deliver Bitcoin-native yield appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Botanix Labs has launched stBTC, a liquid staking token designed to turn Bitcoin into a yield-bearing asset by redistributing network gas fees directly to users. The protocol will begin yield accrual later this week, with its Genesis Vault scheduled to open on Sept. 25, capped at 50 BTC. The initiative marks one of the first attempts to generate Bitcoin-native yield without relying on inflationary token models or centralized custodians. stBTC works by allowing users to deposit Bitcoin into Botanix’s permissionless smart contract, receiving stBTC tokens that represent their share of the staking vault. As transactions occur, 50% of Botanix network gas fees, paid in BTC, flow back to stBTC holders. Over time, the value of stBTC increases relative to BTC, enabling users to redeem their original deposit plus yield. Botanix estimates early returns could reach 20–50% annually before stabilizing around 6–8%, a level similar to Ethereum staking but fully denominated in Bitcoin. Botanix says that security audits have been completed by Spearbit and Sigma Prime, and the protocol is built on the EIP-4626 vault standard, which also underpins Ethereum-based staking products. The company’s Spiderchain architecture, operated by 16 independent entities including Galaxy, Alchemy, and Fireblocks, secures the network. If adoption grows, Botanix argues the system could make Bitcoin a productive, composable asset for decentralized finance, while reinforcing network consensus. This is a developing story. This article was generated with the assistance of AI and reviewed by editor Jeffrey Albus before publication. Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters: Source: https://blockworks.co/news/botanix-launches-stbtc
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 02:37
Unprecedented Surge: Gold Price Hits Astounding New Record High

Unprecedented Surge: Gold Price Hits Astounding New Record High

BitcoinWorld Unprecedented Surge: Gold Price Hits Astounding New Record High While the world often buzzes with the latest movements in Bitcoin and altcoins, a traditional asset has quietly but powerfully commanded attention: gold. This week, the gold price has once again made headlines, touching an astounding new record high of $3,704 per ounce. This significant milestone reminds investors, both traditional and those deep in the crypto space, of gold’s enduring appeal as a store of value and a hedge against uncertainty. What’s Driving the Record Gold Price Surge? The recent ascent of the gold price to unprecedented levels is not a random event. Several powerful macroeconomic forces are converging, creating a perfect storm for the precious metal. Geopolitical Tensions: Escalating conflicts and global instability often drive investors towards safe-haven assets. Gold, with its long history of retaining value during crises, becomes a preferred choice. Inflation Concerns: Persistent inflation in major economies erodes the purchasing power of fiat currencies. Consequently, investors seek assets like gold that historically maintain their value against rising prices. Central Bank Policies: Many central banks globally are accumulating gold at a significant pace. This institutional demand provides a strong underlying support for the gold price. Furthermore, expectations around interest rate cuts in the future also make non-yielding assets like gold more attractive. These factors collectively paint a picture of a cautious market, where investors are looking for stability amidst a turbulent economic landscape. Understanding Gold’s Appeal in Today’s Market For centuries, gold has held a unique position in the financial world. Its latest record-breaking performance reinforces its status as a critical component of a diversified portfolio. Gold offers a tangible asset that is not subject to the same digital vulnerabilities or regulatory shifts that can impact cryptocurrencies. While digital assets offer exciting growth potential, gold provides a foundational stability that appeals to a broad spectrum of investors. Moreover, the finite supply of gold, much like Bitcoin’s capped supply, contributes to its perceived value. The current market environment, characterized by economic uncertainty and fluctuating currency values, only amplifies gold’s intrinsic benefits. It serves as a reliable hedge when other asset classes, including stocks and sometimes even crypto, face downward pressure. How Does This Record Gold Price Impact Investors? A soaring gold price naturally raises questions for investors. For those who already hold gold, this represents a significant validation of their investment strategy. For others, it might spark renewed interest in this ancient asset. Benefits for Investors: Portfolio Diversification: Gold often moves independently of other asset classes, offering crucial diversification benefits. Wealth Preservation: It acts as a robust store of value, protecting wealth against inflation and economic downturns. Liquidity: Gold markets are highly liquid, allowing for relatively easy buying and selling. Challenges and Considerations: Opportunity Cost: Investing in gold means capital is not allocated to potentially higher-growth assets like equities or certain cryptocurrencies. Volatility: While often seen as stable, gold prices can still experience significant fluctuations, as evidenced by its rapid ascent. Considering the current financial climate, understanding gold’s role can help refine your overall investment approach. Looking Ahead: The Future of the Gold Price What does the future hold for the gold price? While no one can predict market movements with absolute certainty, current trends and expert analyses offer some insights. Continued geopolitical instability and persistent inflationary pressures could sustain demand for gold. Furthermore, if global central banks continue their gold acquisition spree, this could provide a floor for prices. However, a significant easing of inflation or a de-escalation of global conflicts might reduce some of the immediate upward pressure. Investors should remain vigilant, observing global economic indicators and geopolitical developments closely. The ongoing dialogue between traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space also plays a role. As more investors become comfortable with both gold and cryptocurrencies, a nuanced understanding of how these assets complement each other will be crucial for navigating future market cycles. The recent surge in the gold price to a new record high of $3,704 per ounce underscores its enduring significance in the global financial landscape. It serves as a powerful reminder of gold’s role as a safe haven asset, a hedge against inflation, and a vital component for portfolio diversification. While digital assets continue to innovate and capture headlines, gold’s consistent performance during times of uncertainty highlights its timeless value. Whether you are a seasoned investor or new to the market, understanding the drivers behind gold’s ascent is crucial for making informed financial decisions in an ever-evolving world. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What does a record-high gold price signify for the broader economy? A record-high gold price often indicates underlying economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and geopolitical instability. Investors tend to flock to gold as a safe haven when they lose confidence in traditional currencies or other asset classes. Q2: How does gold compare to cryptocurrencies as a safe-haven asset? Both gold and some cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin) are often considered safe havens. Gold has a centuries-long history of retaining value during crises, offering tangibility. Cryptocurrencies, while newer, offer decentralization and can be less susceptible to traditional financial system failures, but they also carry higher volatility and regulatory risks. Q3: Should I invest in gold now that its price is at a record high? Investing at a record high requires careful consideration. While the price might continue to climb due to ongoing market conditions, there’s also a risk of a correction. It’s crucial to assess your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and consider diversifying your portfolio rather than putting all your capital into a single asset. Q4: What are the main factors that influence the gold price? The gold price is primarily influenced by global economic uncertainty, inflation rates, interest rate policies by central banks, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and geopolitical tensions. Demand from jewelers and industrial uses also play a role, but investment and central bank demand are often the biggest drivers. Q5: Is gold still a good hedge against inflation? Historically, gold has proven to be an effective hedge against inflation. When the purchasing power of fiat currencies declines, gold tends to hold its value or even increase, making it an attractive asset for preserving wealth during inflationary periods. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin’s price action. This post Unprecedented Surge: Gold Price Hits Astounding New Record High first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 02:30
China Bans Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D Chip Amid AI Hardware Push

China Bans Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D Chip Amid AI Hardware Push

TLDR China instructs major firms to cancel orders for Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chip. Nvidia shares drop 1.5% after China’s ban on key AI hardware. China accelerates development of domestic AI chips, reducing U.S. tech reliance. Crypto and AI sectors may seek alternatives due to limited Nvidia access in China. China has taken a bold [...] The post China Bans Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D Chip Amid AI Hardware Push appeared first on CoinCentral.
Share
Coincentral2025/09/18 01:09