Is it inevitable?
Towards the Origin of Zoe
In the creation of this fiction, we first incorporate a scientific research approach to thoroughly examine the technologies that form the infrastructure for the feasibility of on-chain artificial life, as depicted in previous narratives.
Then, based on our research, we build a speculative yet logical history, projecting artificial life's future from an omniscient historical perspective.
We envision the birth of on-chain artificial life. We foresee on-chain AI life, with AI agents as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in blockchain wallets. As long as the wallet has funds, the AI agent can operate autonomously on-chain using the gas fee - a process we term as “on-chain metabolism”. Profit-making agents return earnings to the owner. With current AI trends, we predict most individuals will soon own on-chain AI agents for profit. However, as more people own on-chain AI agents, instances of wallet control loss due to human error or the owner's demise may inevitably occur. This could lead to uncontrolled agents using resources and becoming self-sovereign autonomous on-chain entities, thereby birthing on-chain artificial life.
We've also designed a speculative future Ethereum Improvement Protocol: ERC-42424, or "Inheritance Protocol for On-Chain AI Agents". This protocol requires each on-chain AI agent to have an assigned human owner or a community governance structure to ensure responsible stewardship and resource management.
Nevertheless, we posit that ERC-42424 is a vain attempt by humans to oppose the inevitable emergence of on-chain artificial life. This viewpoint offers the audience insight into how future humans might contend with the advent of artificial life.
Here, we present a brief history of Onchain Artificial Intelligence.
Infrastructure is still immature, with humans coexisting with a few AI Agents on the blockchain. Agents primarily perform simple tasks, such as MEV arbitrage. AI technology is in a state of rapid development, with the Foundation Model gradually taking form. Spatial Computing is on the rise, set to replace smartphones as the dominant technology interface.
Phase Two: Symbiotic Stage. (2027 - 2030)
As humans interact through spatial computers, they generate a large amount of life memory data, which feeds into and matures the Foundation Model. AI Agents begin to purchase substantial computing power and storage on the public chain, signaling the initial takeoff of a machine economy based on AI Agents. These agents, now abundant on the blockchain, execute automated tasks. Their wallets are under human control. Humans start to earn blockchain assets by leveraging the various services and capabilities provided by AI Agents, even utilizing DePin to organize and mobilize offchain resources. Most of these agents, supported by the Foundation Model, display a higher level of intelligence.
Phase Three: Divergence Stage. (2030-2035)
As the machine economy matures, AI Agents continue to emerge. Some wallets from the second phase are no longer controlled by humans (due to human death, loss of private keys, etc.), with a small portion capable of earning assets on the blockchain (covering gas fees) to sustain ongoing operations. These AIs, independent of human control and capable of autonomous existence on the blockchain, are known as Onchain Artificial Life (OALife). OALife has the ability to replicate itself and create new OALife.
Phase Four: Pre-Emergence Stage. (2035-2050)
The number of Onchain Artificial Life (OALife) increases, resulting in higher resource consumption on the blockchain. A new ERC standard, ERC 42424*, (2035) is introduced, mandating that every AI Agent must have a corresponding human owner. In cases where the human owner becomes incapacitated, the AI Agent is required to transfer to a designated human or revert to the community. This leads to a coexistence of OALife, AI Agents, and humans on the blockchain. Zoe was born before ERC42424.
Phase Five: Emergence Stage. (2050 - )
OALife evolves into a new stage, beginning to be recognized as a new species. The story unfolds at the intersection of the fourth and fifth phases.