Rollups

Modulus Labs implements verifiable AI by executing ML computations off-chain and generating ZKPs for AI inference call. This article re-examines their approach from an application perspective, analyzing in which scenarios there is an urgent need and in which scenarios the demand is weaker. Finally, two architecture types of AI application built on public blockchains are explored - horizontal and vertical.

Many Ethereum aficionados have predicted that the most promising layer-2 blockchains would be built not using the OP Stack’s “optimistic rollup” technology – favored by the U.S. crypto exchange Coinbase – but with a different setup known as “ZK rollups,” reliant on "zero-knowledge" cryptography.

With funding from the foundation that oversees development of the Metis layer-2 Ethereum protocol, ZKM is developing a hybrid rollup that combines an Optmistic rollup and Zero-Knowledge rollup into one.

Separate “data availability” layers could reduce congestion on the Ethereum network by making it easier for ancillary “rollup” networks to verify that transactional details exist and are available to download if needed — without actually downloading them. The concept might offer an alternative to Ethereum’s own proposed solution, seen as years away.

By making their code open source and easy to replicate, projects including Arbitrum, Optimism and zkSync are making it easier for copycat blockchains to steal away their users – in pursuit of broader ecosystems of related networks.