AI's Growing Demand For Resources And The Role Of Blockchain

According to BlockBeats, on September 28, the CEO of Theta Labs, the parent company of the decentralized video network Theta Network, expressed that AI's demand for resources is insatiable. AI consumes vast amounts of electricity and data, with an estimated usage of 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022. This figure is expected to significantly increase to between 620 and 1050 TWh by 2026. However, the most critical need for AI is computing power, which supports complex model training, large dataset analysis, and extensive inference execution. Smartphones and tablets represent a massive, nearly untapped resource of global computing power. In 2024 alone, it is projected that 1.21 billion devices will be shipped, and the true potential of their idle computing power is difficult to estimate. Blockchain technology is highly suitable for this distributed AI ecosystem. Its decentralized nature aligns seamlessly with the goal of utilizing the idle computing power of millions of devices worldwide. By leveraging blockchain technology, a secure, transparent, and incentivized framework for sharing computing resources can be created. The future of AI innovation does not lie in building larger data centers but in harnessing the power already present in pockets and homes. By shifting the focus to edge computing, a more inclusive, efficient, and innovative AI ecosystem can emerge. This decentralized approach not only democratizes AI but also aligns with global sustainability goals, ensuring that the benefits of AI are not limited to a privileged few.