What is DePIN?
And why does it matter?
DePIN stands for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network. Instead of a few corporations owning things like cell towers or data centers, DePIN lets anyone join in. People can run devices, share data, or connect to networks and earn rewards for it.
What Makes it Different?
Traditional infrastructure is centralized: companies build it, maintain it, and capture all the value. DePIN flips that model. It makes infrastructure:
Open: anyone can join with a phone or device
Resilient: no single point of failure
Fair: contributors earn value for their part
How Does It Work?
Every DePIN project has three layers:
Devices or nodes doing useful work
A network that collects and validates the work
A system that records contributions and distributes rewards
The XYO Approach
XYO has been running a DePIN since 2018. More than 10 million nodes contribute through the COIN App, sending real-world data like timestamps, observations, and location relationships. That data is verified with Proof of Location and Proof of Origin, then secured on XYO Layer One, a blockchain built for data. Contributors earn $XYO for their participation, while $XL1 powers activity on-chain.
How DePIN Impacts Industries
DePIN builds trusted, global systems that anyone can help run. From mapping and logistics to IoT, public data, and asset tracking, XYO shows how a DePIN can connect the digital and physical worlds at scale.
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