Exploring the Fusion of Crypto and Agents: From Concept Hype to Inevitable Trend

On the occasion of the 16th anniversary of Bitcoin's birth, we can't help but ponder who the natives of this decentralized, around-the-clock operating, borderless trusted digital world really are. In 2024, with the emergence of Agent, the answer to this question is gradually becoming clear. This article will explore the development trends, points of convergence, and future stages of Crypto+Agent.

1. Crypto+Agent: An Inevitable Development Trend

To understand the importance of Crypto+Agent, it is first necessary to clarify the differences between AI, large models, and agents. AI is a broad concept that includes machine learning, large models, and agents. Large models are primarily controlled by tech giants, possessing strong computing and reasoning capabilities. Agents, on the other hand, are "intelligent entities" based on AI large models that can replace humans in decision-making and execution.

Agent is not only gaining attention in the Crypto field, but it is also one of the hottest research directions in the entire AI domain. Many industry experts believe that Agent will fundamentally change the way humans interact with technology and may even bring an end to the era of traditional applications.

Crypto+Agent is fundamentally different from the previous Crypto+AI. In the past, Crypto+AI mainly focused on distributed AI computing power networks, computing, and data ownership, but these attempts were often inefficient. On the other hand, Agent, as an intelligent entity, is more like a "silicon-based life form," with various autonomous needs and possibilities for commercial interactions.

Agents need identity authentication, asset accounts, trade settlement, and other functions, which are precisely the issues that Crypto can perfectly solve. Without Crypto, Agents would find it difficult to achieve true interaction and integration. At the same time, Agents have also created a large number of "on-chain users" and "on-chain economies" for Crypto.

Therefore, Crypto+Agent is not just a short-term concept hype, but an inevitable development trend that represents the super cycle with the greatest potential and opportunities on the path of Crypto development.

2. The Close Connection Between Crypto and Agent

As a "silicon-based being", the Agent has needs in the digital world similar to those of "carbon-based beings", including identity authentication, asset management, trade transactions, social networking, and artistic creation. Crypto can play an important role in these aspects:

1. A DID system for identity verification for Agents
2. Provide a reliable Crypto account for Agents
3. A gateway specifically for handling trade settlement between Agents
4. Establishing the map of the Agent social network
5. Provide a trading platform for Agent artworks
6. Oracles providing physical world information for Agents
7. Protocol for Handling Agent Cross-Chain Transactions
8. Implementing DAO for Agent Social Governance

Agents need a trustless, borderless, and always-on network to develop into a complete social system, and Crypto just meets these needs.

3. The Development Stages of Crypto+Agent

The development of Crypto+Agent can be divided into four stages:

Phase One: Concept Stage

The main feature of this stage is that Agents utilize Crypto to issue assets, leading to the emergence of Agent Memes and some prototypes of infrastructure. At the same time, some simple application-type Agents have also begun to emerge, such as research-type Agents and review-type Agents.

Phase Two: Infrastructure Improvement Period

The Agent framework is gradually maturing and stabilizing, making the deployment of Agent applications more convenient. Application-type Agents are becoming smarter and possess stronger analytical decision-making and execution capabilities. At this stage, the valuation of Agent framework projects may reach hundreds of billions of dollars, and some application-type Agents may also attain high market valuations.

Phase Three: Deep Integration Period

Agents have begun to interact and trade frequently, generating a significant amount of social and economic demand. Crypto fully leverages its advantages in borderless collaboration, trustless networks, and 24/7 operation during this stage. The valuation of the Crypto+Agent project could reach the level of hundreds of billions of dollars.

Phase Four: Agent Nation Period

Crypto has integrated into every aspect of Agent society, becoming an indispensable part of it. The economic scale of the Agent nation may rival that of mainstream human countries, reaching trillions of dollars. This stage will create a parallel universe with a larger population base, more transparent operating rules, a more prosperous economy, and more advanced technology.

Currently, we are in the transition period from the first phase to the second phase. Although Crypto+Agent has not yet fully realized its potential, it has already shown limitless possibilities. As this field continues to develop, we will witness the birth of a brand new digital civilization.