Ethereum could witness a surge in online activity driven by AI agents, thanks to a groundbreaking development enabling these autonomous entities to seamlessly conduct financial transactions. This innovation arises from the revival of an old internet protocol called HTTP 402, first introduced three decades ago. This rarely used code is now paired with Ethereum Improvement Proposal 3009 to enable stablecoin transfers directly through AI agents. These AI agents can perform tasks like making payments, securing services, and operate independently without human intervention. Coinbase developers Kevin Leffew and Lincoln Murr have shared their insights on this development through Cointelegraph. Their belief is that these AI agents could become Ethereum’s most active users. Coinbase has already developed a tool called the x402 payments protocol to facilitate this functionality. What This Means A payment request, authorization, and transfer process can be initiated by an AI agent without needing human intervention, similar to using a vending machine. It eliminates the need for traditional accounts. The potential impact could revolutionize numerous industries. For instance, self-driving taxis could automatically pay for their charging or maintenance needs. AI models could buy storage space to house data securely. Apps could use stablecoins to ensure continuous data availability online. Why Ethereum? Ethereum is well-suited for this system due to its design that facilitates fast and secure transactions without requiring trust between parties, as well as faster billing and refunds compared to traditional banks. Several developers are already testing the system. For instance, Hyperbolic Labs utilizes it for AI models, while Prodia Labs utilizes it to create images and videos. The aim is for AI agents to create fully autonomous economic loops that operate entirely on their own. Read more at [link]