5 DePIN Projects Transforming Real World Activities into Crypto Infrastructure in 2026

Jakarta, Pintu News – Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) is a class of crypto projects that combine blockchain technology with real-world physical activities, such as wireless networks, data, and maps, to create decentralized running infrastructure.

Participants’ contributions of hardware, sensors, or real data are rewarded with tokens, so participants not only act as investors but also as active network providers. These DePIN projects show how crypto is not only a speculative asset, but also integrates with real-world utilities that have the potential to bolster the broader Web3 ecosystem.

1. Helium (HNT): Decentralized Wireless Network

Helium (HNT) is one of the earliest and most recognized DePIN networks, building wireless networks like LoRaWAN and 5G through community contributions. Participants place hotspot devices in their locations and receive tokens in exchange for providing connectivity that enterprises and IoT devices can utilize. This model proves that large-scale telecommunications networks can be built without the dominance of large corporations, and creates wider and cheaper access to wireless networks.

Networks like Helium rely on a token incentive model to encourage community participation. As more participants join and provide connectivity, the power of the network increases. While Helium’s primary focus is network access, the project’s success paves the groundwork for other DePINs that seek to solve complex infrastructure problems.

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2. Hivemapper (HONEY): Community-based Physical Mapping

Hivemapper (HONEY) utilizes dashcams and user contributors to produce continuously updated visual street-level maps. Contributors earn crypto token rewards by collecting real images and location data that are used to enrich the decentralized maps. This model highlights how DePIN can utilize simple, everyday actions like driving to collectively strengthen digital infrastructure.

Hivemapper’s visual data aids machines and applications in navigation and logistics, although it is more static and depicts surface conditions rather than dynamic patterns such as traffic flow. As such, the project extends the DePIN concept beyond communication networks towards real-world mapping.

3. NATIX Network (NATIX): Vision-Based Mobility Intelligence

NATIX Network (NATIX) uses computer vision-based data from dashcams to generate insights into mobility, including traffic, parking availability, and road usage. This data is relevant for smart cities and urban analytics as it provides more dynamic signals about mobility conditions. This project is an example of DePIN focusing on a specific utility, namely mobility intelligence, rather than just data storage or network connectivity.

While narrower in scope, NATIX’s contribution plays a role in mapping real-world physical behaviors that can be monetized through tokens. This shows that DePIN can thrive across different utility verticals.

4. WeatherXM (WXM): Decentralized Weather Data

WeatherXM (WXM) is a network of community-based weather stations that provide local weather data that is more accurate than central forecasts. Participants’ contributions in the form of weather station operations generate microclimate data that is important for the agriculture, transportation, and energy sectors. The project embodies the DePIN model that focuses on collecting real environmental data.

This kind of data shows how DePIN not only collects data but also provides useful context for prediction and planning in real-world scenarios, especially in regions underserved by traditional sensor networks.

5. Roam Network (ROAM): Integrated Navigation Layer

Roam Network (ROAM) takes a different approach by turning everyday movements into navigational intelligence that can be used by intelligent machines and systems. The project does not provide just one type of signal, but captures multi-modal data such as movement patterns, signal quality, and connectivity stability across different devices. This allows the system to determine not just where something is, but where operations can be performed reliably.

By providing a broader context than just access or visual data, Roam Network exemplifies how DePIN can create an infrastructure layer that facilitates automated operations in the real world.

Conclusion: DePIN as a Bridge between Real World and Crypto

The DePIN projects described showcase the many ways in which blockchain and crypto incentives can be combined with real-world activities to build decentralized infrastructure. From wireless connectivity to physical mapping and mobility intelligence, the DePIN model provides new opportunities for participants to be rewarded with tangible contributions. While this space is still evolving, its increasing adoption suggests that DePIN could become one of the pillars of real-world infrastructure innovation based on blockchain technology.

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Reference
– AMBCrypto Team. 5 DePIN projects turning real-world activity into infrastructure. Accessed January 29, 2026.