Blockchain infrastructure company Alchemy has introduced a system allowing autonomous AI agents to purchase compute credits and access its blockchain data services. These agents can now use onchain wallets and USDC on the Base network for transactions.
The initial release permits AI agents to directly query blockchain networks, verify NFT ownership, check wallet balances across multiple chains, and obtain live token price data. Future updates will include additional networks and services.
When an agent's prepaid compute credits are depleted, Alchemy triggers a payment request. This request can be automatically settled in USDC on Base, enabling continuous operation without human intervention.
Agents can fund accounts with as little as $1 in USDC. Once credited, they can make API calls until the balance is depleted and another automated payment is initiated.
The system utilizes Coinbase's x402 payment standard, translating an HTTP "402 Payment Required" response into an automatic billing trigger. This open standard facilitates machine-to-machine transactions directly through HTTP responses, eliminating the need for manual invoicing.
Alchemy CEO Nikil Viswanathan stated the system is designed for developers building autonomous decentralized finance (DeFi) agents, portfolio management bots, and complex onchain workflows. He noted that major crypto applications, including Robinhood Crypto, Uniswap, OpenSea, Aave, and 0x, already rely on Alchemy's infrastructure.
AI agents, software designed to make decisions and execute tasks autonomously, have gained significant traction. A recent McKinsey survey indicated that nearly a quarter of organizations are expanding their use of agent-based systems.
This development follows recent advancements in AI agent technology. AI.com plans to launch an autonomous AI agent for retail users capable of stock trades and workflow automation. Coinbase introduced "Agentic Wallets" to allow AI agents to autonomously spend, earn, and trade digital assets. Additionally, Monad's developer community showcased "agent + token" projects, including a programmable venture capital agent and AI-driven gaming platforms.
