By brennanhm on Skatehive
One of the most practical use-cases of blockchain technology so far have been Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs). These novel networks differ from traditional infrastructure in a few key ways. Rather than a centralized company raising capital to build-out energy, AI, or wireless infrastructure, individuals and small businesses are paid automatically and directly on the blockchain to install and maintain devices like solar panels, GPUs, and hotspots. Also, instead of going through an antiquated and inefficient banking system to pay workers and contractors in unsustainable debt-based fiat currencies, smart contracts on the blockchain pay participants (the community) directly in the project's token. If the smart contracts are configured correctly, these token rewards remain under the complete control of the community members who receive them, so long as they protect their seed phrases. Helium vs. World Mobile Helium was the first DePIN project, rewarding individuals a