What is ASTO

Altered State Token ($ASTO): Revolutionising AI and NFTs in Web3

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain technology, Altered State Token ($ASTO) has emerged as a significant player within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). By introducing a decentralised protocol called the Altered State Machine (ASM), $ASTO strives to redefine our understanding and use of NFTs by allowing users to create and train AI agents. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between AI technology and the digital collectible world, fostering a new wave of interactions in virtual environments.

What is Altered State Token ($ASTO)?

Altered State Token (ASTO) is built upon the ERC-20 standard, serving as the governance token for the Altered State Machine. This project's primary goal is to facilitate a comprehensive ecosystem where users can access, create, and enhance AI agents represented by NFTs. These AI agents can be minted and deployed across various digital landscapes, enabling a plethora of use cases, including participation in decentralised applications and play-to-earn games.

At its core, $ASTO is not just a transactional token but a versatile instrument that empowers its holders. By participating in the ecosystem, $ASTO holders have the privilege of influencing the evolution of the Altered State Machine through a community-led organisation known as ElderDAO. This governance structure ensures that the stakeholders have a voice in the project's future development directions.

Creator of Altered State Token ($ASTO)

Though detailed information about the exact creator of Altered State Token remains unspecified, a prominent figure associated with its conceptualisation is Phil Williams, the Chief Design Officer of Altered State Machine. Phil Williams possesses significant expertise as a veteran creative director and technology strategist across various sectors, contributing to the innovative framework that underpins $ASTO and the Altered State Machine.

Investors of Altered State Token ($ASTO)

While specific information regarding the investors supporting Altered State Token is currently unclear, investment in the project typically reflects an interest from entities focused on cutting-edge technology and the emerging potential of blockchain applications. The success of crypto projects such as $ASTO often relies on the backing of angel investors, venture capital firms, and incubators that specialise in blockchain innovation.

How Does Altered State Token ($ASTO) Work?

The operational framework of Altered State Token is anchored in its ability to mint, train, and deploy AI agents. The distinctive proposition lies in the training of these agents in specialised environments, referred to as “gyms.” In these virtual arenas, agents learn, adapt, and execute strategies, with their knowledge encoded into unique identifiers known as Memories.

The Memories are integrated with an agent's Brain NFT, which features a Genome Matrix that defines the agent's capabilities. This design accommodates a diverse range of abilities, mirroring biological entities' natural variation. The segmented structure allows for upgradeable forms, where the agent’s potential can be amplified, traded, or modified as per user requirements.

The amalgamation of AI with NFTs marks a critical evolution in the crypto landscape, particularly as Non-Fungible Intelligence (NFI) comes to the forefront. This novel dialogue between digital ownership and adaptability creates exciting opportunities, including interactive gaming experiences and AI-driven community engagement.

Timeline of Altered State Token ($ASTO)

The journey of Altered State Token has seen several notable milestones, laying the foundation for its current standing within the crypto sphere:

• March 15, 2022: The Altered State Machine whitepaper is published, outlining the project’s vision, technical specifications, and roadmap.
• Proof of Concept: A basic soccer game is developed to showcase the capabilities of the ASM technology, using assets including the UNITY Game Engine and IPFS file storage.
• Patent Application: The project files a patent with the US Patent Office for the ownership framework of AI machine learning models via NFTs, securing its innovative edge in a competitive landscape.

Key Features of Altered State Token ($ASTO)

Altered State Token encompasses several outstanding features:

1. Decentralised Protocol

The Altered State Machine operates as a completely decentralised protocol, allowing users to create, own, trade, and train AI agents using NFTs. This decentralisation promotes fairness and equity, making participation accessible to a global audience.

2. AI Agents

The AI agents are structured around a Brain NFT and a Form. While the Brain contains the Genome Matrix that dictates the agent’s cognitive and operational characteristics, the Form serves as a customisable layer that can be enhanced or exchanged according to user preferences.

3. ElderDAO

ASTO holders gain access to the ElderDAO, a community governance body that steers the future of the Altered State Machine. This structure fosters collaboration, empowering users to collectively shape decisions that impact the ecosystem.

4. Versatile Use Cases

The utility of $ASTO extends well beyond governance; it allows users to access the ASM network, create and train AI agents, engage in inter-agent transactions, and participate in events like Genome Mining and play-to-earn gaming initiatives.

Conclusion

Altered State Token ($ASTO) stands at the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, heralding a new era in the functionalities of NFTs. By embracing an innovative approach to minting and training AI agents, it opens up vast possibilities for participants in the digital economy. With a dynamic governance structure and the flexibility to adapt to varied use cases, $ASTO is well-positioned to become a cornerstone in the evolving landscape of decentralised technologies, fostering meaningful interaction between users and digital assets in Web3.

As this project continues to develop, its resonance within the crypto world is likely to expand, potentially redefining how we perceive ownership and functionality in the increasingly interconnected digital universe.