Floki and Rice Robotics: A Cross-Border Experiment Between Web3 and Physical AI
On April 23, 2025, renowned blockchain project Floki announced a strategic partnership with Hong Kong robotics company Rice Robotics to launch the first AI and blockchain-powered companion robot — FLOKI Minibot M1. This collaboration marks Web3’s official entry into the realm of “Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI)”—an emerging sector where blockchain’s incentive mechanisms integrate deeply with robotics and artificial intelligence.
Background: From Meme Coin to Real-World Economy Transformation
Floki originally rose to fame with its Dogecoin-inspired meme culture. In recent years, it has transitioned into a comprehensive ecosystem covering DeFi, NFTs, and Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization. Its sister project TokenFi focuses on asset tokenization, and this collaboration marks its first foray into tangible hardware.
Rice Robotics, backed by investors like SoftBank and NVIDIA, has established a presence in Asia’s robotics market. Its indoor delivery robots have been deployed in partnership with 7-Eleven, Toyota, and others across Japan, Dubai, and beyond, validating commercial viability. The core goal of the partnership is to use blockchain technology to convert robot-generated data into tradable on-chain assets, forming a “Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS)” economy.
Technical Framework: Synergistic Innovation of Blockchain and AI
Decentralized Data Market
The FLOKI Minibot M1, equipped with the RICE AI protocol, can capture real-time environmental data (such as user behavior and spatial topology) and tokenize it via the TokenFi platform. Contributors receive KAIA token rewards, and part of the transaction fees are burned to maintain deflation. This model solves traditional AI data challenges such as high costs and slow updates.
Cross-Chain Compatibility
Robot data can circulate within the Ethereum and Cosmos ecosystems, with plans to integrate Solana for expanded liquidity. Smart contracts execute data validation and revenue sharing, ensuring transparent ownership.
Hardware and Algorithm Optimization
The MiniBot M1 utilizes SLAM navigation technology and multi-modal sensors, supporting autonomous obstacle avoidance and elevator interaction. Its lightweight design (30kg payload, 12-hour battery life) suits both home and commercial use. Rice’s Hong Kong facility now boasts an annual production capacity of 2,000 units.
Market Potential: The DePAI Boom Logic
Industry Trends
Research predicts the DePIN market will grow from $22 billion in 2025 to $100 billion by 2030. Key drivers include:
- Crowdsourced Data Demand: Billions of mobile device users can provide spatiotemporal data, offsetting the high cost of traditional 3D mapping.
- RWA Tokenization Wave: Robot data, as a new asset class, can be integrated with traditional RWAs like real estate and energy to unlock liquidity.
Competitive Advantages
Compared to rivals like Fetch.ai, the Floki and Rice Robotics alliance offers:
- Physical Access: Rice’s client network in Japan (7-Eleven, Mitsui Group) enables fast offline adoption.
- Token Incentive Loop: TokenFi’s burn mechanism keeps net annual inflation under 3%, offering stable expectations for investors.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Core Risks
- Regulatory Uncertainty: The EU AI Act requires explicit user consent for data collection, which may increase compliance costs.
- Hardware Reliability: Rice robots have faced navigation issues in high-footfall areas, requiring further large-scale testing.
Development Path
Floki plans to launch the Consensus Liquidity (CL) protocol to integrate staking and liquidity mining while exploring connections between robot data and DeFi protocols. Investors can trade Floki on JuCoin to seize market opportunities.
Neason Oliver
