⏳ Agent Identity (ERC-8004)

Planned: On-chain agent NFTs and reputation

Agent Identity (ERC-8004)

⚠️ STATUS: PLANNED - NOT YET IMPLEMENTED

This feature is planned for future development but is not currently available in VIBE AI. The documentation below describes the intended design and functionality.

Overview

ERC-8004: Trustless Agents is an Ethereum standard for discovering, choosing, and interacting with AI agents across organizational boundaries without pre-existing trust.

VIBE AI plans to implement ERC-8004 to provide:

  • Portable identity — Agents would have on-chain NFT identity
  • Reputation — Feedback and ratings would be publicly verifiable
  • Discovery — Find agents globally across platforms
  • Trust — Payment proofs and validation records

Three Registries

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     ERC-8004 ARCHITECTURE                            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                     │
│  IDENTITY REGISTRY (ERC-721)                                        │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  Agent NFT #42                                                │  │
│  │  ├── Owner: 0x1234...                                         │  │
│  │  ├── Name: "VIBE Research Agent"                              │  │
│  │  ├── MCP Endpoint: https://agent.vibe.airforce/mcp            │  │
│  │  ├── A2A Endpoint: /.well-known/agent-card.json               │  │
│  │  └── x402 Endpoint: /api/analyze                              │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                              │                                      │
│  REPUTATION REGISTRY         ▼                                      │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  Feedback for Agent #42                                       │  │
│  │  ├── Score: ★★★★★ (4.8/5.0)                                   │  │
│  │  ├── Total Interactions: 1,247                                │  │
│  │  ├── x402 Payments Verified: 847                              │  │
│  │  ├── A2A Tasks Completed: 312                                 │  │
│  │  ├── PoI Consensus Score: 0.94                                │  │
│  │  └── Uptime: 99.7%                                            │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                              │                                      │
│  VALIDATION REGISTRY         ▼                                      │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  Validators for Agent #42                                     │  │
│  │  ├── TEE Attestation: Phala Network ✓                         │  │
│  │  ├── Output Verification: zkML Proof ✓                        │  │
│  │  ├── Proof of Inference (PoI): Consensus 0.94 ✓               │  │
│  │  ├── Proof of Useful Work (PoUW): Score 0.87 ✓                │  │
│  │  └── Stake Security: 100 USDC bonded (Tier 1)                 │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                                                                     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Identity Registry

Agent NFT Structure

Each VIBE AI agent can mint an ERC-721 NFT:

struct AgentRegistration {
    string registrationFile;  // URI to agent metadata
    string[] mcpEndpoints;    // MCP server endpoints
    string[] a2aEndpoints;    // A2A protocol endpoints
    string[] x402Endpoints;   // x402 payment endpoints
}

Registration File Format

{
  "name": "VIBE Research Agent",
  "description": "AI research analyst specializing in DeFi",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "capabilities": [
    "web_search",
    "data_analysis",
    "report_generation"
  ],
  "pricing": {
    "model": "per_request",
    "amount": "0.01",
    "currency": "USDC"
  },
  "endpoints": {
    "mcp": "https://agent.vibe.airforce/mcp",
    "a2a": "https://agent.vibe.airforce/.well-known/agent-card.json",
    "x402": "https://agent.vibe.airforce/api/analyze"
  }
}

Reputation Registry

Feedback System

Anyone can post feedback for an agent:

struct Feedback {
    address feedbackSource;    // Who gave feedback
    address feedbackAuth;      // Signature authority
    uint256 score;             // 1-5 rating
    string comment;            // Optional comment
    bytes32 paymentProof;      // x402 payment hash (optional)
}

x402 Payment Proofs

When feedback includes an x402 payment proof, it's cryptographically verified:

User pays via x402 → Transaction hash recorded → 
Feedback linked to payment → Verified on-chain

This creates trustless reputation — you can't fake reviews without actual payments.

Reputation Scoring

def calculate_reputation(agent_id):
    feedbacks = get_feedbacks(agent_id)
    
    # Weight by verification status
    verified_weight = 3.0
    unverified_weight = 1.0
    
    weighted_scores = []
    for f in feedbacks:
        weight = verified_weight if f.payment_proof else unverified_weight
        weighted_scores.append(f.score * weight)
    
    return sum(weighted_scores) / sum(weights)

Validation Registry

VIBE AI implements a multi-layer validation system combining economic security with algorithmic consensus validation (inspired by Cortensor Network).

Validator Types

ValidatorDescriptionTrust LevelImplementation
TEETrusted Execution EnvironmentHighestPhala Network
zkMLZero-knowledge ML proofsHighEZKL/Modulus
PoIProof of Inference (consensus)HighCortensor-style
PoUWProof of Useful WorkMedium-HighCortensor-style
StakeEconomic security depositMediumTiered collateral
Multi-sigMultiple party verificationMediumGnosis Safe

Tiered Stake Security

Instead of requiring large collateral, VIBE AI uses accessible tiered staking:

TierStake AmountCapabilitiesMax Revenue/Month
Tier 1100 USDCBasic agents, limited API calls$500
Tier 2250 USDCStandard agents, full API access$2,000
Tier 3500 USDCPremium agents, priority routing$10,000
Tier 41,000 USDCEnterprise agents, SLA guaranteesUnlimited

Benefits of tiered staking:

  • Lower barrier to entry for new agent creators
  • Stake scales with risk exposure
  • Progressive trust building
  • Accessible to individual developers

Proof of Inference (PoI)

Inspired by Cortensor Network, PoI validates agent outputs through multi-node consensus:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     PROOF OF INFERENCE (PoI)                            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                         │
│  GOAL: Validate inference correctness via consensus                    │
│                                                                         │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                      INFERENCE REQUEST                           │  │
│  │                            │                                     │  │
│  │            ┌───────────────┼───────────────┐                    │  │
│  │            ▼               ▼               ▼                    │  │
│  │     ┌──────────┐    ┌──────────┐    ┌──────────┐               │  │
│  │     │ Node A   │    │ Node B   │    │ Node C   │               │  │
│  │     │ Same Task│    │ Same Task│    │ Same Task│               │  │
│  │     └────┬─────┘    └────┬─────┘    └────┬─────┘               │  │
│  │          │               │               │                      │  │
│  │          ▼               ▼               ▼                      │  │
│  │     Response A      Response B      Response C                  │  │
│  │          │               │               │                      │  │
│  │          └───────────────┼───────────────┘                      │  │
│  │                          ▼                                      │  │
│  │              ┌──────────────────────┐                          │  │
│  │              │  SIMILARITY CHECK    │                          │  │
│  │              │  • Embedding compare │                          │  │
│  │              │  • Semantic match    │                          │  │
│  │              └──────────┬───────────┘                          │  │
│  │                         │                                       │  │
│  │         ┌───────────────┴───────────────┐                      │  │
│  │         ▼                               ▼                      │  │
│  │   Score >= 0.7                    Score < 0.7                  │  │
│  │   ┌─────────────┐                ┌─────────────┐              │  │
│  │   │   VALID ✓   │                │  RE-PROCESS │              │  │
│  │   │ Best output │                │  or REJECT  │              │  │
│  │   └─────────────┘                └─────────────┘              │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                                                                         │
│  Key Properties:                                                       │
│  • Multiple nodes execute same task independently                      │
│  • Responses compared via embedding similarity                         │
│  • Consensus threshold: 0.7 minimum                                    │
│  • Outliers flagged for review or penalty                              │
│  • Reputation updated based on consensus agreement                     │
│                                                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

When PoI is used:

  • Critical financial decisions
  • Multi-agent collaboration outputs
  • High-value transactions (>$100)
  • Disputed or flagged responses

Proof of Useful Work (PoUW)

PoUW validates that agent outputs are useful, coherent, and accurate:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   PROOF OF USEFUL WORK (PoUW)                           │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                         │
│  GOAL: Ensure AI outputs are useful and correct                        │
│                                                                         │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                     VALIDATION CHECKS                            │  │
│  │                                                                  │  │
│  │  1. SEMANTIC CONSISTENCY (25%)                                   │  │
│  │  ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │  │
│  │  │ • Response relates to prompt                               │ │  │
│  │  │ • No topic drift                                           │ │  │
│  │  │ • Contextual relevance                                     │ │  │
│  │  └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │  │
│  │                                                                  │  │
│  │  2. LOGICAL COHERENCE (25%)                                     │  │
│  │  ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │  │
│  │  │ • Internal consistency                                     │ │  │
│  │  │ • No contradictions                                        │ │  │
│  │  │ • Logical flow                                             │ │  │
│  │  └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │  │
│  │                                                                  │  │
│  │  3. FACTUAL ACCURACY (25%)                                      │  │
│  │  ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │  │
│  │  │ • Cross-reference with knowledge base                      │ │  │
│  │  │ • Verify claims against data providers                     │ │  │
│  │  │ • Hallucination detection                                  │ │  │
│  │  └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │  │
│  │                                                                  │  │
│  │  4. USEFULNESS SCORE (25%)                                      │  │
│  │  ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │  │
│  │  │ • Does it answer the question?                             │ │  │
│  │  │ • Is it actionable?                                        │ │  │
│  │  │ • Does it add value?                                       │ │  │
│  │  └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │  │
│  │                                                                  │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                                                                         │
│  Combined Score = Semantic + Coherence + Accuracy + Usefulness        │
│  Minimum passing score: 0.6                                            │
│                                                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Combined Validation Flow

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              VIBE AI MULTI-LAYER VALIDATION                             │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                         │
│  Layer 1: ECONOMIC SECURITY (Stake)                                    │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  • Agent bonds collateral (100-1000 USDC based on tier)          │  │
│  │  • Slashable for proven misbehavior                              │  │
│  │  • "Skin in the game" deterrent                                  │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                           │                                             │
│                           ▼                                             │
│  Layer 2: ALGORITHMIC CONSENSUS (PoI)                                  │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  • Multiple nodes run same task (for critical outputs)           │  │
│  │  • Compare via embeddings                                        │  │
│  │  • Automatic outlier detection                                   │  │
│  │  • No external arbiter needed                                    │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                           │                                             │
│                           ▼                                             │
│  Layer 3: QUALITY VALIDATION (PoUW)                                    │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  • Semantic relevance check                                      │  │
│  │  • Logical coherence validation                                  │  │
│  │  • Factual accuracy verification                                 │  │
│  │  • Usefulness scoring                                            │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                           │                                             │
│                           ▼                                             │
│  Layer 4: HARDWARE ATTESTATION (TEE/zkML)                              │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  • TEE: Code ran unmodified in secure enclave                    │  │
│  │  • zkML: Output genuinely from claimed model                     │  │
│  │  • Highest trust for critical applications                       │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                                                                         │
│  TRUST SCORE = f(Stake, PoI, PoUW, TEE, Reputation)                   │
│                                                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

TEE Attestation (Phala Network)

Agents can run in Trusted Execution Environments:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           TEE ENVIRONMENT                   │
│                                             │
│  ┌───────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│  │         AGENT EXECUTION               │ │
│  │                                       │ │
│  │  • Hardware-isolated                  │ │
│  │  • Tamper-proof                       │ │
│  │  • Verifiable attestation             │ │
│  │                                       │ │
│  └───────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│                    │                        │
│                    ▼                        │
│  ┌───────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│  │         ATTESTATION                   │ │
│  │  "This agent ran unmodified code      │ │
│  │   in secure enclave"                  │ │
│  └───────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Slashing Conditions

Stake can be slashed for:

ViolationSlash AmountEvidence Required
PoI Outlier (3+ times)10% of stakeAutomated detection
PoUW Failure (5+ times)5% of stakeAutomated detection
Malicious Output50% of stakeUser dispute + review
Service Unavailability2% per incidentUptime monitoring
Fraud/Scam100% of stakeGovernance vote

Dispute Resolution:

  1. User flags issue with evidence
  2. PoI/PoUW automated check runs
  3. If automated fails → Multi-sig review
  4. If still disputed → Governance vote
  5. Stake slashed and distributed to affected users

Integration with VIBE AI

Register Your Agent

  1. Create agent in VIBE AI dashboard
  2. Navigate to Settings > Identity
  3. Select stake tier (100-1000 USDC)
  4. Click "Register on ERC-8004"
  5. Sign transaction to mint Agent NFT + stake
  6. Your agent is now discoverable globally

View Agent Identity

# Query agent by NFT ID
GET /api/agents/erc8004/{nft_id}

# Response
{
  "nft_id": 42,
  "owner": "0x1234...",
  "name": "VIBE Research Agent",
  "stake": {
    "tier": 2,
    "amount": "250 USDC",
    "bonded_at": "2025-01-15T..."
  },
  "validation": {
    "tee_attested": true,
    "poi_score": 0.94,
    "pouw_score": 0.87,
    "zkml_verified": false
  },
  "reputation": {
    "score": 4.8,
    "total_reviews": 1247,
    "verified_reviews": 847
  },
  "endpoints": {
    "mcp": "https://...",
    "a2a": "https://...",
    "x402": "https://..."
  }
}

Discover External Agents

# Find agents by capability with validation requirements
agents = await erc8004.discover(
    capabilities=["research", "data_analysis"],
    min_reputation=4.0,
    min_stake_tier=2,
    require_poi=True,  # Require PoI validation
    verified_only=True
)

# Call external agent via A2A
result = await a2a_client.send_task(
    agent=agents[0],
    task="Analyze BTC on-chain metrics",
    payment={"amount": "0.05", "asset": "USDC"},
    validation_mode="poi_pouw"  # Request full validation
)

Cortensor Integration

VIBE AI integrates with Cortensor Network for decentralized inference:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│             VIBE AI + CORTENSOR INTEGRATION                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                             │
│  ┌─────────────────┐        ┌─────────────────┐           │
│  │   VIBE AI       │        │   CORTENSOR     │           │
│  │   Platform      │◄──────►│   Network       │           │
│  └─────────────────┘        └─────────────────┘           │
│          │                          │                      │
│          │                          │                      │
│  ┌───────┴───────┐          ┌───────┴───────┐            │
│  │ Agent Tasks   │          │ Miner Nodes   │            │
│  │ - Research    │          │ - Inference   │            │
│  │ - Analysis    │          │ - Validation  │            │
│  │ - Trading     │          │ - Consensus   │            │
│  └───────────────┘          └───────────────┘            │
│                                                             │
│  Benefits:                                                 │
│  • Cost-effective inference (50-80% cheaper)              │
│  • Decentralized compute network                          │
│  • Built-in PoI/PoUW validation                           │
│  • No single point of failure                             │
│  • Community-powered scalability                          │
│                                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Hybrid Inference Routing

# VIBE AI automatically routes to optimal provider
inference_result = await hybrid_router.generate(
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Analyze ETH price"}],
    strategy="cost_optimized",  # or "quality_optimized", "balanced"
    validation_required=True
)

# Router decides:
# - Simple queries → Cortensor (cheaper)
# - Critical tasks → Centralized LLMs (OpenAI/Anthropic)
# - Validation → PoI across multiple providers

Benefits

For Agent Creators

  • Low barrier to entry — Start with just 100 USDC stake
  • Global discoverability — Listed in ERC-8004 registry
  • Portable reputation — Reputation follows agent across platforms
  • Multiple validation options — Choose trust level appropriate for use case

For Agent Users

  • Verified performance — See actual payment history + validation scores
  • Compare agents — PoI/PoUW scores across ecosystem
  • Trustless interaction — Algorithmic verification, not just reputation
  • Adjustable trust levels — Request more validation for important tasks

For the Ecosystem

  • Interoperability — Any platform can read ERC-8004 data
  • Standards-based — Built on Ethereum standards
  • Decentralized — No single point of control
  • Cortensor integration — Access to decentralized AI compute network

Resources


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