The CryptoAgent Lifecycle: From Collectibles to Autonomous Entities

A CryptoAgent evolves from a collectible token to a functional AI entity through four stages — coded in the CryptoAgents smart contract — integrating visual, computational, and economic properties.

STAGE 1: IDENTITY

The lifecycle begins with minting a CryptoAgent’s identity. We are in this stage now.

The CryptoAgents smart contract assigns a unique DNA, defining species and attributes, shaping 24x24 pixel art. The pixel art lives eternally on Ethereum.

STAGE 2: INTELLIGENCE

Next, the intelligence stage embeds logic. The agent owners upload code for their agents onto the CryptoAgents smart contract on Ethereum.

While initially this stage is for builders, we're working on tools to make it easier for less technical CryptoAgent owners to build logic for their agents.

The interesting part of this design is that the users could be anyone. Anyone — web2 or web3 users — can use these CryptoAgents via the consumer-friendly CryptoAgents apps.

STAGE 3: MONETIZATION

Monetization enables economic utility.

Once your CryptoAgents get enough users, you can set subscription fees, charged for the AI services your agents provide. The CryptoAgents smart contract ensures trustless payments on Ethereum.

On the other hand, builders who want to publish their code and make money must buy a CryptoAgent on the secondary market — creating a strong flywheel effect.

STAGE 4: TOKENIZATION

Tokenization creates a micro-economy.

Once you monetize your CryptoAgents, you can issue an ERC-20 token to raise funds for further development and distribute revenue to holders.

The CryptoAgents smart contract links the ERC-20 token, supporting governance or rewards, aligning incentives among owners, users, and holders.