Pi Network Backs $20M Robotics Project as It Expands Beyond Blockchain

Pi Network’s venture division has taken a significant step into the robotics sector, investing in a $20 million funding round for OpenMind—a Silicon Valley startup aiming to standardize intelligent machine interactions.

This marks the first major deployment from Pi’s $100 million venture fund focused on bringing blockchain into real-world technologies.

OpenMind, led by Stanford’s Jan Liphardt, is developing OM1, a universal operating system to enable seamless communication between robots across different industries. The system is paired with the FABRIC protocol, which addresses identity, trust, and coordination between machines—key components in creating a decentralized robotics infrastructure. Target use cases span from autonomous vehicles to factory automation and assisted living.

Top investors such as Coinbase Ventures, Pantera Capital, Ribbit Capital, and Sequoia China also participated in the round, signaling broader interest in OpenMind’s vision of a connected, cross-platform robotics future.

Is Pi Expanding or Losing Focus?

The move sparked mixed reactions within the Pi community. Some hailed the investment as a forward-looking leap into the intersection of AI and Web3. Others voiced concern that Pi’s resources might be better directed toward strengthening its core blockchain infrastructure. Still, the strategic intent seems clear: Pi Network is positioning itself as a foundational layer for future machine-to-machine economies, where the Pi token could play a key transactional role.

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Ecosystem Developments Continue

Alongside this venture push, Pi Network has introduced a new Passkey login system for its wallet, offering users a simplified, password-free authentication experience. The update arrives amid speculation around future exchange listings and ongoing momentum in Pi’s broader ecosystem development.