DePINs, short for decentralized physical infrastructure networks, bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms. These networks use Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, and data storage to allow users to share resources directly with others without the intervention of an intermediary.
Wi-Fi signals, cellular networks, and data are digital, but they rely on routers, servers, hard drives, and other infrastructure to function, making them inseparable from physical networks. DePINs use blockchains and cryptocurrencies to render processes clear and trackable. Here are five DePIN devices businesses throughout industries are increasingly availing themselves of, and with good reason.
1. Dôr
People counting helps businesses determine the number of potential shoppers on their premises. Installing a visitor counter gives stores valuable data on customers' purchasing habits, helping them improve customer service. As the first battery-operated, thermal-sensing people counter in the world, Dôr makes available the data needed to increase conversion rates, improve marketing effectiveness, and optimize staff scheduling.
Dôr initially focused on providing retail analytics via thermal sensors to measure foot traffic or store visits. The technology was designed to help improve retail space performance through data analytics and customer insights. Blockchain firm Constellation acquired Dôr in 2021 as part of its strategy to scale blockchain data choices by integrating key datasets with Dôr's footfall information.
The US Army uses Dôr to measure foot traffic in the US Army Center of Military History. The Army Museum Enterprise (AME) procured the DePIN's software licenses to continue receiving data from museum visitor counting sensors and accessing it on a digital dashboard.
The device collects specific data on museum visitation via 46 locations, then analyzes it and makes it available. The Dôr system's cloud-hosted capabilities allow AME professionals to access and further analyze critical data. Dôr's cellular network wirelessly connects foot traffic counting sensors to the base station, where it uploads data to the Dôr Cloud.
2. Helium
Helium is a DePIN on the Solana blockchain and a decentralized wireless network linking Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It enhances IoT connectivity via Solana blockchain technology while rewarding participants through its token ecosystem. It improves scalability and transaction speed, which are critical in terms of managing increasing connectivity demand. The solid infrastructure supports various applications, from agricultural monitoring to smart city initiatives, showcasing Helium's practical utility and versatility.
Helium's network encourages hotspot deployment via its Proof-of-Coverage (PoC) mechanism, expanding coverage in the process. Participants who deploy hotspots earn Helium (HNT) tokens. The ecosystem, which also includes MOBILE tokens, supports mobile data transfer to ensure adaptability to market demands.
3. Filecoin
Filecoin is a decentralized storage network on top of IPFS, allowing users to rent out storage space in exchange for cryptocurrency. Its marketplace approach ensures secure data storage in the native Filecoin blockchain and easy access. As of 2024, the Filecoin network stores a data volume of over 1.7 EiB and is supported by more than 3,300 storage providers.
Filecoin secures data via Proof-of-Spacetime (PoSt) and Proof-of-Replication (PoRep) mechanisms. As a result, storage providers can always fulfill their commitments. The Filecoin Virtual Machine integrates scalable and secure Layer-2 smart contracts, thereby expanding the network's capabilities and enabling applications such as liquid staking and collateral lending. Miners can earn FIL, Filecoin's native DePIN cryptocurrency, on Filecoin's retrieval market for quick data access.
4. HyperAiBox
HyperAiBox is a plug-and-play device specifically designed for AI computing on the HyperCycle network, which designates a suite of network connectivity products and an advanced Layer-1 blockchain for decentralized AI applications. Its compact and elegant design makes it easy to position and use. To multiply computing power, users can stack the devices on top of each other.
HyperAiBox uses just 20W of power and comes pre-configured, optimized to perform AI computation as efficiently as possible. With the software pre-installed, users run nodes directly from home. All they need to do is plug the device in, connect a wallet, and attach the license. Controlling HyperAiBox is straightforward via an inbuilt LED touchscreen, enabling users to monitor their contribution in real time.
5. Shieldeum
The final choice is a Web3 cybersecurity platform that provides reliable protection for Web3 companies and cryptocurrency users via an AI-powered DePIN. Shieldeum offers data encryption, threat detection, app hosting infrastructure, and high-performance computing via professional-grade data servers.
The platform developed apps across Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android in 2024, enhancing user access. In 2025, Shieldeum plans to expand its security product range and develop a customized BNB Layer-2 blockchain tailored for executing nodes. The platform's advanced security solutions appeal to the rapidly growing Web3 community, which will strengthen its position in the DePIN sector.
Addressing Technical Complexity
The DePIN sector faces particular challenges that must be addressed to realize its full potential, mainly technical complexity. Integrating physical infrastructure with blockchain technology is an elaborate process requiring interoperability and security expertise. Operations cannot be reliable without seamless communication between physical assets and decentralized networks.
DePINs like Dôr are designed to be intuitive. One simply installs the compact hardware above doorways to collect information on the flow of people. Once installed, it passively collects foot traffic data and automatically earns cryptocurrency rewards in the form of DAG tokens, making the process straightforward and accessible for non-technical users. No setup is required beyond buying the device, connecting it to Constellation's mining platform, and installing it in the desired locations.
