After Cortex launched their AI-on-Blockchain TestNet in September 2018, they discovered a DApp developed by their community using Cortex technology.
The Cortex team found the AI smart contract posted on the Cortex TestNet in October 2018 and worked with the developers to debug and improve the game. The collaboration led to a more efficient development environment and better development tools. The AI smart contract was tested and iterated several times. A final version was recently released on the Cortex TestNet in December 2018.
This first-ever AI DApp is a pixel game utilizing AI inference, called The Master of Digital Clash.
Cortex is the first blockchain technology to allow the execution of AI algorithms on the blockchain. In September 2018 it released the fully functional Mining TestNet and partially released its AI Smart Contract TestNet. The Cortex MainNet is due for release in the second quarter of 2019. Cortex has deployed ten full nodes distributing in six countries for the TestNet, and these nodes will increase in the months ahead.
Cortex provides developers and researchers with an AI platform and stack toolkit. AI algorithm developers can upload AI models on the Cortex blockchain. DApp developers can select and use these AI models to deploy smarter DApps, using the power of the blockchain and AI smart contracts.
Without enhancing the capabilities of smart contracts, which currently have several problems, implementing real-world decentralized applications is difficult. Enabling AI on the blockchain and integrating it within smart contracts provides a powerful solution. It will enable democratization of AI models, giving users control of their data and creating incentive to compete with large corporations.
The Master of Digital Clash
The game is intuitive. To play it, users first download the Cortex Wallet extension. They use their Cortex Wallet address to request test coins from the block explorer, or mine on the TestNet to receive coins. Users then choose Team Red or Team Blue which represent different numbers. After users pick a team, they can begin to draw on the canvas to try and help their team win the game. Each transaction infers the AI model to identify the number on the canvas.
Initially, one pixel costs one CTXC, but the price goes up the more users draw on the same pixel. Once the total pixels drawn reach eight thousand, or the highest priced pixel reaches three thousand CTXC, the game ends.
While the game runs, the AI model provider is paid by CTXC every time the model is called. The DApp developer receives a share based on how the smart contact is written. In the case of The Master of Digital Clash, the development team receives 2% of tokens. Miners process new transactions into blocks which are added to the chain. The game and the AI model are open-sourced and tie everyone together in a cohesive ecosystem which benefits all participants.
As Cortex’s TestNet enables AI models to be put on the blockchain, developers can now create, refine, tweak and optimize AI algorithms in sync with smart contracts on the blockchain. They can create DApps suited to a whole host of real-life scenarios, and many businesses are likely to benefit from implementations.
AI-based decision-making already exists, but now it can become a reality on the blockchain. The gates are open for AI to transition from current applications to the creation of powerful AI-driven DApps that can be used in many different spheres, from healthcare to finance. The ecosystem will expand as developers create valuable DApps that provide efficient, creative ways to address industry-specific obstacles.
