Pearl blockchain integrates AI inference with mining rewards
Summary
Pearl, a newly developed Proof-of-Useful-Work blockchain, allows miners to perform artificial intelligence (AI) inference while competing for block rewards using the same computational resources. This innovative approach creates two revenue streams: block rewards subsidize inference work, while customer payments help offset mining costs. Central to Pearl's operation is matrix multiplication, which is vital for both mining and AI inference. Miners can earn from genuine inference requests as well as from arbitrary matrix calculations solely aimed at earning rewards, raising economic efficiency compared to traditional mining methods. However, a challenge remains in ensuring that a significant portion of network computation is directed towards meeting actual external demand rather than solely for gaining block rewards.