The DePIN Explorer - DePIN Scan

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) are revolutionizing how real-world activities contribute to shared infrastructure, moving away from traditional centralized assets. These networks allow contributors to deploy hardware, navigate cities, or gather environmental data, creating a collaborative ecosystem that enterprises and machines can utilize. A notable trend within DePIN is the focus on real-world intelligence, which encompasses various projects that provide different types of data and insights. This article compares five leading DePIN projects, highlighting their unique contributions to the decentralized infrastructure landscape. Helium, one of the pioneers in the DePIN space, provides decentralized wireless coverage through community-driven infrastructure like LoRaWAN and 5G. Contributors earn tokens for their coverage, demonstrating that decentralized networks can build substantial telecom infrastructure. However, Helium primarily focuses on access rather than providing insights into connectivity reliability. In contrast, Hivemapper rewards users for collecting street-level imagery, creating an up-to-date physical map. While its data ownership narrative is strong, the static nature of the visual data limits its applicability in real-time operational contexts. On the other hand, NATIX Network leverages computer vision to offer insights into traffic and road usage, providing valuable mobility signals for urban analytics. However, its vision-based approach does not capture the full environmental context necessary for reliable operations. WeatherXM addresses localized weather data through community-powered weather stations, offering essential information for enterprises but still lacking comprehensive operational context. Finally, Roam Network stands out by integrating various data signals into a cohesive navigation tool that aids machines in making informed decisions about connectivity and mobility. By emphasizing context over raw data, Roam Network positions itself as a critical infrastructure for the future of machine operations in real-world environments.

The Grass Network has officially launched its Airdrop Season 2, marking a significant shift in its approach to decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) rewards. Unlike typical short-term airdrop events, this distribution will occur gradually over the first half of 2026. This strategy emphasizes long-term infrastructure development, aiming to create a sustainable ecosystem rather than succumbing to the hype-driven nature of many crypto initiatives. The decision has raised questions among users, but it signals a commitment to a more structured and responsible rollout of rewards. As part of this long-term distribution model, Grass Network has confirmed that critical infrastructure upgrades are underway, including enhancements to node stability and the introduction of a native wallet. These upgrades must be completed before any rewards from Season 2 can be distributed. The team has indicated that there will be at least five more months of activity, allowing both new and existing users to engage with the network and improve their eligibility. This measured approach contrasts sharply with other DePIN projects that have rushed their airdrops without adequate preparation. In addition to the gradual rollout, Grass is exploring innovative reward mechanisms, such as compensating node operators with USDC for contributing conversational data to train AI models. This initiative aims to provide immediate, stable-value rewards, addressing concerns about delayed airdrops and token valuations. The $GRASS token, with a capped supply of 1 billion tokens, is designed to support long-term sustainability through a balanced allocation strategy. As the network prepares for Season 2, participants are encouraged to maintain stable node performance and contribute consistently, setting a new standard for decentralized network rewards in the DePIN sector.

The global cryptocurrency market has recently experienced a decline, now valued at approximately $3.07 trillion, largely due to a wave of liquidations that have heightened short-term volatility. Notably, XRP has struggled to maintain its position above the $2.00 mark, while Solana has dipped below $130. This downturn has prompted a more cautious outlook for both cryptocurrencies, as market participants reassess their strategies in light of these developments. In contrast to the traditional focus on price momentum, the Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) project is being evaluated through the lens of its hardware-based Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) model. This innovative framework ties network participation to physical infrastructure and operational requirements, shifting the focus from speculative behavior to structural and architectural considerations. The core of ZKP's model revolves around Proof Pods, dedicated hardware devices that perform cryptographic verification tasks, ensuring that network participation is tied to measurable performance metrics rather than mere token holding. As XRP and Solana navigate their respective challenges, ZKP's unique approach is garnering attention for its emphasis on long-term operational engagement and accountability. While XRP faces pressure and fluctuates within a narrow trading range, Solana retains interest from long-term participants despite recent volatility. The contrasting dynamics of these assets underscore a broader trend in the market, where investors are increasingly prioritizing execution models and infrastructure over immediate price action. As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, projects like ZKP that offer clearly defined participation models may find themselves evaluated on their structural merits rather than short-term market fluctuations.

The Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector is transitioning from a conceptual phase to a tangible reality, with projections estimating its potential to reach $3.5 trillion by 2028. Currently, over 13 million devices are actively contributing to DePIN networks, showcasing their operational relevance in addressing real-world challenges such as energy distribution, connectivity, and AI workload management. The shift from narrative to measurable infrastructure is evident as several projects demonstrate real deployment and address pressing issues, setting the stage for significant advancements by 2026. Among the notable DePIN projects, Uplink stands out as a wireless connectivity network that transforms existing Wi-Fi and local networks into usable infrastructure. By enabling individuals to register compatible routers and earn revenue for their contributions, Uplink has surpassed 5 million registered routers globally. The project's recent $10 million funding round has propelled it into a scaling phase, focusing on validating network quality and attracting paying customers. Similarly, Daylight is revolutionizing energy management by connecting home energy devices, allowing homeowners to share data and earn compensation for their contributions to grid stability. With significant funding secured, Daylight aims to streamline residential solar adoption and enhance market efficiency. Other innovative projects include DIMO, which empowers vehicle owners to monetize their data, and Filecoin, which offers decentralized storage solutions with a focus on reliability and verifiable data management. As the demand for AI resources surges, io.net aggregates underutilized GPUs to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional cloud services. Lastly, CureDAO is tackling the complexities of health data infrastructure, emphasizing privacy and regulatory compliance. As DePIN networks evolve, the emphasis will shift from mere node counts to business fundamentals, including revenue generation and service reliability, ultimately determining their success in reshaping infrastructure.