Blockchain is now part of our daily lives, providing secure and decentralized solutions for finance, supply chain management, and more.
At the heart of blockchain are consensus mechanisms, which keep the networks reliable and secure. These mechanisms, like Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), validate transactions and the integrity of the network.
A new concept, Useful Proof of Work (uPoW), takes it one step further. It uses the network's computational power for productive tasks, like training Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). So, in the Qubic ecosystem, the energy spent on security also produces something practical and valuable.
What is uPoW?
Useful Proof of Work (uPoW) is a new way for blockchain networks to do more with the energy they use. Instead of solving random puzzles like traditional Proof of Work (PoW), uPoW uses the energy to train Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). So the computational effort helps to advance machine learning while keeping the network secure and decentralized.
While PoW is often criticized for wasting energy, uPoW turns that energy into something useful. It secures the network and solves real-world problems. Other methods, like Proof of Stake (PoS), use economic incentives to validate transactions but can face issues with centralization and security.
uPoW differs by using the energy the miners use for something valuable, namely to improve AI models. This dual purpose of securing the blockchain and advancing AI is a big step forward for blockchain technology.
How uPoW Works
Useful Proof of Work (uPoW) uses the computational power of the blockchain network for something productive by combining traditional mining with valuable tasks like training AI models. Instead of solving random puzzles, the miners (called "computers") work on complex AI training tasks, using the network's resources for something useful.
In uPoW, the protocol assigns specific AI training tasks to the computers. These tasks involve processing large datasets and require a lot of computational power. Miners with the right hardware and algorithms compete to complete these tasks, and their performance is measured by how accurately and quickly they complete the training. This determines their ranking in the network.
The uPoW system keeps the network secure and decentralized by spreading the AI tasks across many computers. This prevents any single entity from taking control. All training tasks and results are stored on the blockchain, so everything is transparent and immutable. Everyone can verify the process, maintaining trust and security. uPoW uses the computational power for something useful, so it’s more secure and useful.
Qubic and uPoW
Qubic is a blockchain project that makes decentralized networks more useful and efficient with Useful Proof of Work (uPoW). We want to change the way we mine blockchains by adding meaningful tasks like training Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). This secures the network and advances artificial intelligence.
Qubic integrates uPoW into its system by directing the network’s computational power towards AI training tasks. Instead of just validating transactions, Qubic’s miners (computers) train machine learning models on large datasets. Their performance is ranked based on the accuracy and speed of their AI training results. So the energy used in mining is used productively.
Qubic has made big progress with uPoW, proving it works to secure the network and train AI models. They have created a transparent system to record AI tasks on the blockchain so everything is verifiable and trustable. This transparency builds community trust and sets a high bar for accountability.
Qubic also got support from the blockchain and AI communities by hosting events and meetups to talk about uPoW and its use cases. These events bring people together and drive the development of uPoW.
One of the events is the Qubic X BAYC Banana & Burger Community Meetup, which will be held on June 28, 2024, from 5pm to 9pm at Bored & Hungry in Seoul, Korea. Admission is one banana per person. This meetup brings together NFT enthusiasts from various communities for all-you-can-eat burgers and fries, banana-themed activities and Qubic Goodie Bags. It’s a great opportunity to network and community building.
uPoW benefits for AI-based platforms
AI needs a lot of computational power because training advanced machine learning models, especially deep learning algorithms, involves processing large datasets and many complex calculations. Without enough computational resources, training becomes slow and inefficient and slows down AI progress.
The Useful Proof of Work (uPoW) system helps by using the energy from blockchain miners for AI training tasks. This makes the training faster and more cost-effective since it uses the existing blockchain network instead of expensive, dedicated supercomputers. AI platforms can then benefit from the blockchain’s decentralization and scalability to train and deploy models faster and more efficiently.
Decentralization is key to uPoW. By spreading AI training tasks across a wide network of miners, it prevents any single entity from controlling the process and avoids biases and manipulation. Blockchain’s on-chain transparency ensures that every training task and its outcome are recorded and verifiable by all, so trust and fairness are maintained.
uPoW vs. Other Consensus Methods
Useful Proof of Work (uPoW) improves blockchain by combining security and useful computation. Unlike traditional Proof of Work (PoW) which uses a lot of energy to solve complex puzzles with no productive output, uPoW directs that energy towards useful tasks like AI training. It’s more resource-efficient and valuable.
PoS and DPoS are more energy efficient than PoW but can lead to centralization, where wealthier participants have more control. uPoW prevents that by distributing the computational tasks across a wide network of miners so no single entity can have too much control. The AI training tasks in uPoW ensure the work is transparent and verifiable on the blockchain, which increases trust and integrity.
In Closing
uPoW is a game changer for blockchain and AI, using computational resources for useful tasks while keeping the network secure. Qubic is leading the way by implementing uPoW, making blockchain more productive and decentralized. They show how blockchain can support and fuel AI development, evolving the consensus mechanisms.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
