When devices, networks and AI work together seamlessly, it creates a smarter, more connected ecosystem.
This is not a distant dream; it’s a rapidly emerging reality as blockchain, IoT, and AI come together. These technologies no longer work in isolation: they form a trio that redefines the way industries operate.
David Palmer, product director of Pairpoint by Vodafone, illustrates this change: “Blockchain brings trust. This gave us tokenization, smart contracts, and a new way to automate, which is now spilling over into the broader business landscape.
Building trust with blockchain
At its core, blockchain has evolved from experimental concepts to practical tools for industries. Its initial potential is now manifesting itself in real-world applications such as supply chain management and decentralized finance (DeFi). Blockchain not only ensures trust through transparency, but also allows organizations to streamline their operations and gain efficiency.
Palmer described the evolution of blockchain: “Years ago, we did a lot of proof of concept, we did a lot of training. This made a lot of headlines. But today I really want to explore how blockchain, IoT and AI can work together to really be part of the new commercial digital infrastructure that is emerging.
The Growing Role of IoT in Data Generation
IoT devices have become ubiquitous, integrated into everything from cars and drones to home sensors. Experts predict that by 2030 there will be around 30 billion IoT devices worldwide. These devices generate enormous amounts of data, which AI systems capitalize on to provide actionable insights. According to Palmer: “By 2030, we expect more than 30 billion IoT devices. These are cars, drones, cabinets, sensors, all integrated into business processes and commercial industry.
But IoT is not just about data collection. It introduces the concept of the “thing economy,” in which devices carry out transactions autonomously. However, for this to work, these devices need secure and reliable connectivity – a role that blockchain is uniquely equipped to fulfill.
AI’s appetite for reliable data
AI thrives on data, but the quality and security of that data is paramount. Public data sets have reached their limits, pushing companies to leverage proprietary data generated by IoT devices. This creates a two-way relationship: IoT devices provide data to AI, while AI enhances those devices with real-time intelligence.
Palmer highlights the importance of data reliability in this ecosystem: “You need an identity that gives you the origin of the data. So we know that the data comes from a certain source and is signed, but we also have to trust the AI that comes back.
Blockchain plays an important role in ensuring trust. It ensures the legitimacy of data provided to AI systems and intelligence returned to IoT devices via verified digital identities and cryptographic signature.
Digital Wallets and Blockchain Adoption
Digital wallets are becoming the cornerstone of this evolving ecosystem. Their global number is expected to increase from 4 billion today to 5.6 billion by 2030. Unlike traditional wallets, blockchain-enabled wallets go beyond cryptocurrencies, supporting features like abstraction of account and integration with tools such as WalletConnect.
A major advancement is the integration of tokenized bank deposits. These connect traditional banking services to blockchain, encouraging businesses to use blockchain for their transactional needs. As a result, blockchain is making its way into broader commercial applications.
Finance meets IoT
The integration of finance into IoT devices is another advancement. Thanks to smart contracts and AI, devices as disparate as cars and drones can now handle payments autonomously. Toll payments, electric vehicle charging and retail purchases are just the beginning of this integrated financial ecosystem.
Palmer illustrated the potential: “By connecting chargers and EV vehicles to the blockchain, you can then link that to their payment information and payment preferences. And then you can have a peer-to-peer transaction.
The same principle applies to energy networks, where vehicles can sell energy during peak times and recharge during off-peak hours, improving sustainability.
Decentralized infrastructure networks
Another interesting development is the rise of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). These networks allow shared or tokenized resources to create community infrastructures. For example, protocols such as Render pool GPU resources for gaming, while Filecoin decentralizes storage.
According to Palmer, “it’s about how communities can build specific AI and specific connectivity infrastructure, specific payment infrastructure for their businesses. »
Blockchain and the role of CBDCs
Governments are also noting the potential of blockchain. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are being explored as a way to integrate blockchain into macroeconomic policies, such as money supply management and income redistribution. Tokenized deposits further expand the role of blockchain by digitalizing traditional monetary systems.
With CBDCs and tokenized deposits, blockchain is moving beyond niche applications to become an important part of financial ecosystems around the world.
The metaverse and its evolution
The metaverse, once a distant concept, is evolving rapidly. Innovations like AI-enabled smart glasses are changing the way users interact with immersive digital content. Palmer noted: “This year, the introduction of glasses by Meta (…) allows you (…) to access your content but also to have access to AI agents. »
AI bots also add a new dimension to the metaverse by connecting virtual and physical experiences. These same technologies and methods are opening up opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare.
A fluid digital ecosystem
The convergence of blockchain, IoT and AI marks a turning point in digital transformation. Blockchain ensures trust, IoT generates data and AI provides intelligence. Together, these technologies promise to create a digital operating system capable of reshaping industries and economies by 2030.
Palmer concludes: “If we can connect billions of devices to blockchain and AI through secure infrastructure, we will unlock the potential of a truly interconnected digital economy. »
See also: AI meets blockchain and decentralized data
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