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 intermediary intervention.
Wi-Fi, cellular, and data signals 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 make transactions transparent and traceable. Here are five DePIN device companies across industries that are increasingly taking advantage of them, and for good reason.
1. The door
People counting helps businesses determine the number of potential shoppers in their workplace. Installing a visitor counter provides stores with valuable data on customers’ purchasing habits, helping them improve customer service. As the world’s first battery-powered, temperature-sensing company, Dôr provides the data needed to increase conversion rates, improve marketing effectiveness, and optimize employee scheduling.
Dôr initially focused on providing retail analytics via thermal sensors to measure traffic or store visits. This technology is designed to help improve the performance of retail spaces through data analytics and customer insights. Blockchain Constellation acquired Dôr in 2021 as part of its strategy to expand blockchain data options by integrating key datasets with Dôr’s presence information.
The US Army uses Dôr to measure traffic at the US Army Center of Military History. The Army Museum Foundation (AME) has purchased DePIN software licenses to continue receiving data from the museum’s visitor counting sensors and accessing it on the digital dashboard.
The device collects specific data about visiting the museum across 46 locations, then analyzes it and makes it available. The Dôr system’s cloud hosting capabilities allow AME professionals to further access and analyze critical data. The Dôr cellular network wirelessly connects traffic counting sensors to the base station, where they upload the data to the Dôr Cloud.
2. Helium
Helium is a DePIN on the Solana blockchain and a decentralized wireless network that connects Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It promotes IoT connectivity via Solana blockchain technology while rewarding participants through its token ecosystem. It improves scalability and transaction speed, which is crucial in terms of managing the increasing demand for connectivity. The hard infrastructure supports various applications, from agricultural monitoring to smart city initiatives, demonstrating Helium’s practical utility and versatility.
The Helium Network encourages the deployment of hotspots via a Proof of Coverage (PoC) mechanism, expanding coverage in the process. Participants who publish hotspots receive Helium (HNT) tokens. The ecosystem, which also includes MOBILE tokens, supports mobile data transfer to ensure adaptability to market demands.
3. File currency
Filecoin is a decentralized storage network on top of IPFS, allowing users to rent storage space in exchange for cryptocurrency. Its marketplace approach ensures that data is stored securely in the native Filecoin blockchain and is easily accessible. As of 2024, the Filecoin network stores a Data volume is more than 1.7 EiB It is supported by more than 3,300 storage providers.
Filecoin secures data via Proof of Space-Time (PoSt) and Proof of Replication (PoRep) mechanisms. As a result, storage providers can always meet their obligations. The Filecoin virtual machine integrates scalable and secure layer 2 smart contracts, thus expanding the network’s capabilities and enabling applications such as liquid mortgages and collateral lending. Miners can earn FIL, Filecoin’s native DePIN cryptocurrency, on the Filecoin recovery market for quick access to data.
4. Hyper iBox
HyperAiBox is a plug-and-play device specifically designed for AI computing on the HyperCycle network, which sets a combination of network communication products and an advanced layer-one blockchain layer for decentralized AI applications. Its compact and elegant design makes it easy to place and use. To double the computing power, users can stack devices on top of each other.
The HyperAiBox uses just 20 watts of power and comes pre-configured and optimized to perform AI calculations as efficiently as possible. With the software pre-installed, users run nodes directly from home. All they have to do is plug in the device, connect the wallet, and attach the license. Controlling the HyperAiBox is straightforward via the built-in LED touchscreen, allowing users to monitor their contribution in real time.
5. Shieldium
The last option is the Web3 cybersecurity platform that provides reliable protection for Web3 businesses and cryptocurrency users via AI-powered DePIN. Shieldeum provides data encryption, threat detection, application hosting infrastructure, and high-performance computing via professional data servers.
The platform has developed applications across Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS and Android in 2024, enhancing user access. In 2025, Shieldeum plans to expand the range of its security products and develop a BNB Layer-2 blockchain specifically dedicated to contract implementation. 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 special challenges that must be addressed to realize its full potential, especially technical complexities. Integrating physical infrastructure with blockchain technology is a complex process that requires interoperability and security expertise. Operations are unreliable without seamless connectivity between physical assets and decentralized networks.
DePIN numbers like Dôr are designed to be intuitive. One simply installs the compact devices above doorways to collect information about the flow of people. Once installed, it passively collects 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 other than purchasing the hardware, connecting it to your Constellation mining rig, and installing it in the desired locations.