TechFlame, October 26 – EdgeAI has announced it is exploring the integration of the x402 protocol to build an autonomous settlement mechanism for AI services, with plans to pilot it first in future inference networks. The protocol, introduced by Coinbase and based on the HTTP status code "402 Payment Required," aims to provide native pay-per-use functionality for the internet and AI systems.

Unlike traditional account-based or subscription models, x402 enables AI services to automatically return payment instructions upon receiving a call request, allowing the caller to complete on-chain settlements instantly using stablecoins. EdgeAI believes this "pay-per-request" architecture will form the foundation for autonomous transactions and resource exchanges among AI agents in the future.

EdgeAI stated that the team will focus on researching how to apply x402 to core scenarios such as real-time inference, data access, and model calls, thereby enabling the simultaneous flow of computation and value. This initiative is seen as a significant step for EdgeAI in the field of edge intelligent computing and lays the groundwork for building a value network driven autonomously by intelligent agents.