Over
the
past
decades,
machine
data
has
emerged
as
one
of
the
world’s
most
valuable
assets.
From
manufacturing
and
agriculture
to
transportation
and
healthcare,
the
data
generated
by
machines
is
driving
innovation
and
efficiency.
Yet,
despite
its
immense
value,
99%
of
this
data
remains
trapped
in
silos,
inaccessible
and
underutilized.
This
op-ed
is
part
of
CoinDesk’s
new
DePIN
Vertical,
covering
the
emerging
industry
of
decentralized
physical
infrastructure.
That
creates
an
opportunity
for
the
integration
of
machine
data
into
Web3
with
decentralized
physical
infrastructure
networks
(DePIN)
offering
a
transformative
solution.
The
full
potential
of
DePIN
Using
blockchain
technology,
DePIN
enables
the
tokenization
of
machines,
effectively
turning
real
world
assets
(RWA)
into
digital
tokens
that
can
be
traded,
owned
and
utilized
on-chain.
This
process
creates
a
bridge
between
the
traditional
asset
markets
and
blockchain
tech,
breaking
down
barriers
to
RWA
investments.
It
also
enables
individuals
to
directly
fund
and
receive
returns
from
services
they
like
and
use,
providing
a
stream
of
passive
income.
That
is
not
just
a
theoretical
concept
but
already
a
tangible
reality.
Take,
for
example,
the
tokenization
of
a
shared
mobility
fleet
in
Vienna.
By
bringing
vehicle
data
on-chain,
the
shared
mobility
provider
offered
tokenized
participation,
allowing
users
to
invest
in
and
earn
rewards
from
a
vehicle’s
performance.
This
democratizes
access
to
valuable
assets
and
improves
operational
efficiency
and
customer
satisfaction.
Tokenizing
machine
data
and
bringing
it
on-chain
is
the
next
logical
step
in
the
evolution
of
DePIN.
Imagine
a
data
pool
with
machine
data
from
public
EV
charging
stations,
each
collecting
data
on
charging
power,
the
battery
level
of
the
EVs
in
the
surrounding
area
or
the
current
energy
grid
utilization.
Builders
in
the
energy
sector
have
now
all
the
information
they
need
to
build
dApps
that
help
to
balance
the
electric
grid,
for
instance
by
offering
charging
incentives
to
EV
drivers
with
low
battery
if
there
is
a
surplus
of
power
available.
By
tokenizing
the
generated
data,
it
can
be
securely
stored
on
the
blockchain,
ensuring
transparency
and
immutability.
This
data
can
then
be
monetized,
opening
up
new
revenue
streams
for
charging
station
owners.
And
the
best
thing
about
this?
Everyone
can
be
part
of
this.
Not
just
big
corporates.
Literally
everyone.
To
stay
with
this
example,
anyone
with
a
wallbox
at
home
can
connect
their
“machine”
and
start
earning
rewards
or
purchase
a
fraction
of
tokenized
charging
stations
via
tokens.
With
Teneo
Protocol,
we
transform
data
into
a
valuable
asset
that
can
be
bought,
sold,
or
traded.
Beyond
tokenization
&
monetization
The
benefits
of
bringing
machine
data
on-chain
go
far
beyond
tokenization
or
monetization.
One
of
the
most
promising
applications
is
in
the
field
of
artificial
intelligence
(AI).
Today’s
AI
models
require
vast
amounts
of
data
to
train
effectively,
yet
real-time
machine
data
remains
relatively
untapped.
By
making
the
high-quality
data
accessible
on-chain,
DePIN
enables
the
development
of
more
accurate
and
efficient
AI
models,
driving
advancements
in
predictive
maintenance,
performance
optimization,
and
other
critical
areas.
Moreover,
integrating
machine
data
into
Web3
enhances
data
integrity
and
security.
Blockchain
technology
ensures
that
data
is
stored
in
a
transparent
and
tamper-proof
manner,
addressing
the
issues
of
data
manipulation
and
unauthorized
access.
This
is
particularly
important
for
Web2
industries
where
data
accuracy
and
security
are
essential,
such
as
Health
care
and
finance.
However,
the
transition
to
a
fully
integrated
Web3
ecosystem
is
not
without
challenges.
One
of
the
primary
hurdles
is
the
need
for
robust
infrastructure
to
support
the
secure
and
efficient
transfer
of
data.
This
requires
advancements
in
both
blockchain
technology
and
the
underlying
hardware.
Despite
these
challenges,
the
benefits
of
integrating
machine
data
into
web3
far
outweigh
the
obstacles.
As
more
industries
recognize
the
value
of
tokenizing
their
assets
and
leveraging
blockchain
technology,
we
can
expect
to
see
a
significant
shift
towards
more
decentralized
and
efficient
systems.
So
can
machine
data
change
Web3?
Absolutely!
This
new
era
of
Web3,
powered
by
DePIN,
will
unlock
unprecedented
opportunities
for
innovation,
growth
and
collaboration.
And
it’s
getting
real.
Note:
The
views
expressed
in
this
column
are
those
of
the
author
and
do
not
necessarily
reflect
those
of
CoinDesk,
Inc.
or
its
owners
and
affiliates.
