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- Pi Network tested AI image recognition on nodes with OpenMind, using idle CPU power during its ongoing Mainnet upgrade phase.
- The network requires Mainnet nodes to upgrade to v20.2 by March 12 as part of its path toward version 23.0 in Q2 this year.
Pi Network is testing artificial intelligence workloads on its node network as it moves through a required Mainnet upgrade path ahead of its planned Pi Day DEX launch. The project has ordered node operators to complete the move to version 20.2 by March 12. This step forms part of a broader roadmap that aims to take the network to version 23.0 in the second quarter of 2026.
The upgrade process follows a fixed sequence. Node operators must move through versions 19.1, 19.6, 19.9, 20.2, 21.1, 22.1, and 23.0 in order. Recently, we covered that Pi Network completed its Protocol v19.9 migration and is preparing to roll out v20.2.
The network requires all Mainnet nodes to complete that step before the March 12 deadline. Nodes that do not update in time risk losing their network connection.
Protocol upgrades in progress (Step 3 – Deadline: March 12): The Pi Mainnet blockchain protocol continues to undergo a series of upgrades. All Mainnet Nodes are required to complete this step before the deadline to remain connected to the network. Details here:…
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) March 5, 2026
This structured path supports the next stage of Pi Network’s development. The rollout is tied to technical preparation for Pi Day, when the project expects to introduce a new decentralized exchange. At the same time, the team is testing whether its node system can take on tasks beyond transaction validation.
During the upgrade phase, Pi Network has run a case study with OpenMind to test AI computing on node machines. The trial used node computers to process object recognition tasks through image analysis. Results were returned within seconds, showing that the system could complete basic AI workloads by using distributed computing power across the network.
The test points to a broader use case for the node network. Many Pi nodes run on personal computers with unused CPU capacity. That idle power can be directed toward lightweight AI tasks rather than being left unused. This model turns the network into a distributed computing system that could support both blockchain activity and selected AI functions.
Most recently, CNF reported that Pi Network marked the first anniversary of its Open Network by outlining new priorities around AI tools, KYC, and ecosystem tokens.
Pi Network Merges Upgrade Path and AI Utility
The project’s broader plan links infrastructure maturity with new utility. The version 23.0 target for Q2 2026 reflects a wider push to expand the network’s role. Pi Network is preparing its ecosystem for both exchange-related activity and computing services tied to decentralized participation.
The AI trial also adds a new layer to the project’s utility model. If the concept moves beyond testing, node operators may eventually contribute processing power for AI workloads and receive Pi-based rewards. That model would allow users to keep running node software while supporting image recognition or similar tasks through spare computing capacity.
Pi Network already reports more than 350,000 nodes and millions of KYC-verified users worldwide. In February, we reported that it was testing its KYC validator rewards distribution system after completing the design and implementation stages.
