An updated survey on the convergence of distributed ledger technology and artificial intelligence: Current state, major challenges and future direction

Abstract

In recent times, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) have become two of the most discussed sectors in Information Technology, with each having made a major impact. This has generated space for further innovation to occur in the convergence of the two technologies. In this paper, we gather, analyse, and present a detailed review of the convergence of AI and DLT in a vice versa manner. We review how AI is impacts DLT by focusing on AI-based consensus algorithms, smart contract security, selfish mining, decentralized coordination, DLT fairness, non-fungible tokens, decentralized finance, decentralized exchanges, decentralized autonomous organizations, and blockchain oracles. In terms of the impact DLT has on AI, the areas covered include AI data privacy, explainable AI, smart contract-based AIs, parachains, decentralized neural networks, Internet of Things, 5G technology and data markets, and sharing. Furthermore, we identify research gaps and discuss open research challenges in developing future directions.