Minima introduces the embedded blockchain to the DePIN ecosystem, allowing nodes to work on any device thanks to its lightweight design.
Proof-of-work (PoW) is the original blockchain consensus mechanism of the Bitcoin network and is widely praised for its security. However, the security of PoW chains is ensured by spending gigantic amounts of energy.
The energy-intensive mechanism requires using advanced equipment and paying exorbitant electricity bills, ruling out individual and inefficient network participants. Moreover, producing blocks on PoW chains is a lengthy process. For example, finalizing a block for Bitcoin takes 10 minutes on average.
Such limitations may be a bottleneck to widespread adoption, but a PoW-based blockchain has addressed these issues.
The embedded blockchain
Minima is a compact, low-energy blockchain specifically suited for decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) projects. Its lightweight architecture enables Minima to run a full node on any device, including mobile phones.
The blockchain facilitates data attestation, real-time communication and token generation for all connected devices. It is used in various fields, from automotive to industrial and residential use.
Every node is a full node on the Minima network, and running full nodes on Minima requires minimal amounts of energy, spreading the energy requirement out among its users. Thus, the blockchain can be seamlessly embedded into even the smallest devices, and each device can construct and validate transactions.
How Minima nodes connect. Source: Minima
Minima achieves and maintains its compact structure by altering PoW consensus and employing cutting-edge blockchain technologies focused on scalability.
Traditional PoW chains rely on miners competing to validate blocks. However, this competition necessitates high levels of energy consumption and may lead to inefficient ecosystems. On Minima, the work of producing blocks is distributed among collaborating nodes. This cooperative approach not only reduces energy consumption but also improves efficiency and security.
To enhance scalability, the project introduced a cascading chain structure. The chain is made up of “superblocks,” which are essentially records of total PoW contributed to the network and function as proof of the current blockchain state. Superblocks eliminate the need to keep a record of all regular blocks, allowing for block pruning and keeping the chain compact.
Efficient verification with UTxO and MMR
Minima uses a system called the unspent transaction output (UTxO) model, where each transaction creates new outputs that can be spent later. To keep things efficient, nodes (computers in the network) only need to keep track of their own UTxOs or the coins they own.
To manage this information, Minima uses a Merkle Mountain Range (MMR) database, which keeps a complete list of all UTxOs. Instead of storing the entire list, users just need to keep proofs for their own coins and the latest "root hash" (a summary) of the MMR tree. This approach makes transactions faster to verify and helps control the size of the network, keeping it more efficient and infinitely scalable.
The ability to run full nodes on any device encourages participation, resulting in greater decentralization without sacrificing security. The blockchain does not incorporate centralized servers. This nips central points of failure in the bud and creates a censorship-resistant blockchain. To further strengthen security against a possible future threat -namely, quantum computers-, it employs quantum resistant cryptography.
AI on target
Minima has recently integrated a blockchain-powered data tracker into a McLaren Artura GT4 supercar. The tracker can extract data directly from the engine and record them on the blockchain. Successfully tested at Spa-Francorchamps, the logger may serve as a vital instrument in a field where even milliseconds matter.
Minima has plans for the burgeoning artificial intelligence space as well. Full nodes will be able to run on microchips, which will serve as a “system on chip (SoC).” Such a technology could potentially expand the pool of embeddable devices, allow for instant transaction verification and ensure trustworthy AI outputs.
Minima co-founder and CEO Hugo Feiler highlighted that by 2035, there will be 100 billion edge devices, from smartphones to industrial machines and sensors, adding:
“These devices will need to work independently of central authority, reshaping our interactions with the digital and physical worlds. Minina’s embedded design means that it is uniquely positioned to enable the activity of every physical device to be decentralized, verifiable, and autonomous.”
With unique features and full node capabilities, Minima is working for a future where each device is connected to blockchains, an interconnected world.
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