Who is Eliza?
The name "Eliza" is no longer just a tool for simulating conversations, but rather an underlying framework that supports the construction and operation of agents in the Web3 world.Author: OKLink Research Institute
In 1966, MIT computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum created a program called ELIZA, which could mimic user input text through some rules and language structures, achieving simple human-computer interaction. Although ELIZA's functionality was very basic and lacked true understanding, it sparked endless imagination about the potential of human-computer interaction. This pioneering experiment left a brief glimpse in the chapter of natural language processing and became one of the starting points for the development of modern artificial intelligence.
Fast forward to 2024, the name "Eliza" has re-emerged as a hot topic in the context of Web3. This time, it is no longer a small tool for simulating conversations but a foundational framework that supports the construction and operation of agents in the Web3 world.
It allows developers to quickly create multifunctional AI agents that can automatically execute transactions, perform governance tasks, and even analyze on-chain data in real-time, promising to fundamentally change the way people interact with blockchain.
Pic Source: https://elizaos.ai
Why has Eliza suddenly become popular?
The technology is an old concept, but the trend is the new story
The rise of AI agents is backed by the "century marriage" of AI and blockchain. Transitioning from a technical concept to practical application, it has become a major hotspot in the crypto field. These agents are not just tools; they are "independent economic entities." By autonomously executing tasks, they are redefining "participation" and "value" in Web3. Just as ELIZA opened the door to human-computer interaction back in the day, today’s Eliza framework is reshaping the relationship between humans and on-chain networks.
A new decentralized participant
Another attraction of AI agents is their seamless integration with the decentralized economy. Leveraging the Eliza framework, developers can build powerful agents, such as ai16z—a virtual venture capital fund that can analyze and summarize information and documents exchanged by users in specific social channels in real-time, making investment decisions based on different message weights and completing on-chain interactions.
This model showcases a new possibility: humans are not the only economic participants; agents can also become key nodes in the value chain.
Pic Source: https://elizaos.ai
From framework to functionality: The engine behind AI agents
The AI Agent framework is the core tool for building and running AI agents, enabling developers to quickly deploy agents while users can access unprecedented services and value through these agents. From investment assistance to content generation, the functionalities of agents are rapidly expanding, and the underlying framework has become a key driving force for innovation in the crypto industry. Compared to NFTs or memes, agents may demonstrate stronger long-term value potential due to their functionality and sustainable business models.
An interesting example is how the Eliza framework enables ai16z to achieve automated investment. Based on the Eliza framework, ai16z created a virtual venture capital fund that uses agents to drive investment decisions. It is not just simple buying and selling; it analyzes on-chain data through machine learning models to provide real-time insights for the community. With its modular design and open-source ecosystem, Eliza's application areas cover social integration, asset issuance, and analytical insights, showcasing the diverse potential of the AI Agent framework. This not only enhances the efficiency of on-chain governance but also promises to elevate the concept of decentralized autonomy to new heights.
The "Elizas" in Web3: What trends could they ignite?
Although the agent market is still in its early stages, the potential of AI frameworks like Eliza is undeniable as they gain popularity. With the continuous evolution of the AI Agent framework, we can anticipate the following trends:
- A new economic form of agents
These AI agents can not only execute tasks but also dynamically adjust operations through real-time data, optimizing network resource allocation, thus saving and earning money simultaneously.
- Strengthening on-chain communities
Agents can provide real-time information integration and analytical support for on-chain communities, helping users participate in on-chain governance and economic activities more quickly and accurately.
- Cross-domain technological integration
As the AI Agent framework integrates with decentralized storage and computing platforms, the functionalities of these agents will become more diverse. From financial services to on-chain gaming, agents may be ubiquitous.
The rise of agents not only changes the way users interact with technology but also brings about a new asset class. These digital entities are gradually forming a tradable and investable market. Similar to NFTs, agents provide users with direct economic benefits through tokenization while attracting more long-term investors with innovative functional services.
Just like every wave of technological advancement in history, the AI Agent framework is transforming complex technologies into simple, user-friendly tools, opening new frontiers for Web3.
However, even with a focused and clear direction, AI agents face significant challenges:
Security issues: How to prevent agents from being exploited by hackers and avoid asset losses?
Centralization risks: Although agents are decentralized, the development and control of the framework are still in the hands of a few teams.
Ethical controversies: When agents make independent decisions, who is responsible when something goes wrong?
From observer to participant: Why AI agents deserve your attention
AI agents are driving Web3 into a new phase, not only enhancing efficiency but also redefining the concept of "participation." If DeFi was the protagonist of the last wave, AI agents may become the core driving force for the next decade.
As AI expert Andrew Ng said, the value of AI lies in its "task orientation"—focusing on completing high-value tasks, improving efficiency, and benefiting users. AI agents are an extension of this concept: they simplify on-chain operations, allowing ordinary users to participate efficiently.
Instead of just being an observer, consider this: when humans coexist with agents on-chain, how will you interact with them?
