RICE AI

RICE AI is a decentralized artificial intelligence protocol that aims to solve the data scarcity problem for training AI for robotics. The platform is built on a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) that facilitates a token-based data-sharing ecosystem. Robot owners worldwide can connect their devices to the network, upload sensor and interaction data, and earn $RICE tokens as rewards. This collected data is then used in a decentralized AI foundry where developers can build, train, and access foundation models for robotics applications.

The project is backed by Rice Robotics, a Hong Kong-based robotics company with a history of deploying over 500 robots globally for clients such as Softbank, 7-Eleven Japan, and Mitsui Fudosan. This connection provides RICE AI with an established foundation and industry expertise. The business model involves a decentralized marketplace where companies and developers can purchase specialized training data sets or subscribe to in-house foundation models, with payments in $RICE offering discounts. The protocol also includes a deflationary mechanism through token burns funded by a percentage of platform fees.

The company's hardware includes the Minibot M1, a companion robot integrated with the RICE AI ecosystem that leverages NVIDIA Jetson for GPU sharing, incorporates Large Language Models (LLMs) for contextual awareness, and features advanced sensors for interaction. In 2023, the company raised $7 million in a private funding round. A subsequent Series A funding round in August 2025 was led by FLOKI, with participation from DWF Labs and others.

Keywords: decentralized AI, robotics, DePIN, data sharing protocol, foundation models, artificial general intelligence, AGI, token economy, crypto rewards, NVIDIA Jetson, large language models, Rice Robotics, Minibot M1, AI foundry, blockchain, data marketplace, robotics data, decentralized physical infrastructure, machine learning, sensor data