Bittensor (TAO)
Bittensor is an open-source protocol that enables a decentralized, blockchain-based machine learning network. It uses TAO, its native cryptocurrency, to reward machine learning models that contribute valuable information to the network.
Overview
Bittensor is a mining network offering censorship-resistant access to a decentralized network of machine learning models. Developed by the Opentensor Foundation and founders Jacob Robert Steeves and Ala Shaabana in 2021, it provides a strategy for AI development and distribution through a distributed ledger. This involves open access, decentralized governance, and globally distributed computing resources. The protocol also acts as an open-source repository of machine intelligence, distributing rewards based on users' contributions.
| Ticker | TAO |
| Category | Artificial Intelligence (AI) |
| Website | https://bittensor.com/ |
| @opentensor | |
| Telegram | taobittensor |
Bittensor employs a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of Intelligence, which rewards nodes for contributing valuable machine-learning outputs. Unlike traditional Proof of Work or Proof of Stake, nodes perform machine learning tasks to demonstrate their intelligence. The more valuable a node's output, the higher its chances of being rewarded with TAO tokens.
Bittensor protocol technology
The Bittensor Protocol enables the exchange of machine learning capabilities and predictions among network participants. It supports the sharing and collaboration of machine learning models in a peer-to-peer manner.
Network architecture
The network comprises nodes, known as miners, which interact using Bittensor client software. Each node participates in the protocol, contributing to the network's machine learning efforts.
Registration
To join the Bittensor network and mine TAO tokens, users must register a hotkey. This involves solving a proof of work or paying a fee via the recycle_register method.
Subtensor
Once registered, nodes become part of a subnet, which focuses on a specific domain within the network. Each subnet houses its own registered nodes and machine-learning models.
Validators
Validators play a crucial role in maintaining data integrity and quality. They validate responses and predictions from miners, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Validators also act as intermediaries, providing access points for users and applications.
Mining
Miners offer machine learning services by hosting and serving local models. When a client requests a prediction, the network routes it to a miner registered for that service, which processes the request and returns the prediction.
Consensus
Consensus algorithms ensure network integrity by preventing double-spending and maintaining data consistency. These mechanisms contribute to the overall security of the Bittensor network.
Incentive
The Bittensor network incentivizes participation through a token-based economy, rewarding miners and validators with TAO tokens for their contributions. These incentives foster active participation and maintain network stability.
TAO
TAO, Bittensor's native cryptocurrency, plays a vital role in incentivizing AI technology development. It facilitates governance, staking, and payment for accessing AI services on the network. TAO's total supply is capped at 21,000,000 units, with distribution regulated by a halving cycle that reduces block rewards by half every 10.5 million blocks. The network currently generates one TAO every 12 seconds, with the first halving event scheduled for August 2025.