Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of the NEAR Protocol, argues that artificial intelligence (AI) agents are rapidly evolving into the dominant users of blockchain networks — potentially outpacing direct human interaction and reshaping the role of decentralized infrastructure.
According to Polosukhin, blockchain technology is shifting from a primarily human-driven ledger system to a foundational execution layer for autonomous software systems. These AI agents can transact, coordinate, and make economic decisions on behalf of users. In this model, AI abstracts away much of the technical complexity associated with blockchain — including wallets, transaction signatures, and network interfaces — making decentralized systems more seamless and accessible.
This evolution carries significant implications for digital markets and public policy:
1. A New Layer of Economic Activity
Autonomous AI agents capable of managing digital assets, interacting with smart contracts, and executing transactions could dramatically expand blockchain utility beyond speculation. This development points toward the emergence of an “agentic economy,” where machines transact and collaborate independently.
2. Regulatory and Governance Challenges
The rise of AI agents introduces new questions around identity, accountability, and legal responsibility. As autonomous systems act on behalf of individuals or organizations, policymakers will need to address issues of oversight, transparency, and liability while maintaining space for innovation.
3. Broader Access to Blockchain Systems
If AI agents successfully simplify blockchain interactions, they may lower technical barriers for everyday users. By automating complex processes, these systems could make decentralized applications more user-friendly and expand participation.
4. Infrastructure and Security Demands
An increase in machine-driven blockchain activity would require networks to scale securely and efficiently. Higher transaction volumes, autonomous coordination, and real-time execution will demand robust infrastructure, strong cybersecurity standards, and thoughtful governance mechanisms.
As AI capabilities advance, the intersection of blockchain and autonomous systems is becoming a central theme in the next phase of digital infrastructure development. Whether AI agents ultimately become the primary users of blockchain networks remains to be seen, but the trajectory suggests a significant shift in how decentralized technologies are utilized.