HUMAN Protocol is an open‑source, blockchain‑based framework that automates the posting, distribution, verification and settlement of microtasks through smart contracts and oracle services. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Overview

HUMAN Protocol serves as a platform that tokenizes human contributions across various tasks, creating decentralized marketplaces using blockchain technology where work can be securely requested, completed, and compensated. The protocol facilitates direct connections between requesters (businesses) and workers, removing intermediaries and allowing for more efficient distribution of value.

At its core, HUMAN Protocol enables the creation of distributed job markets where any job, regardless of size or type, can be tokenized and published. These markets support a wide range of activities, from data labeling for artificial intelligence training to customer reviews and content creation. The protocol is particularly focused on enabling human-to-machine collaboration, where AI systems can handle repetitive tasks while humans focus on specialized or creative work.

The technology is designed to address the foundations of digital interaction by improving the mechanisms through which people connect and collaborate. By providing tools, infrastructure, plugins, and APIs, HUMAN Protocol supports broad-scale data markets that can eventually evolve to support any type of work. This empowers the gig economy by giving workers more control over available opportunities and ensuring they receive greater value for their contributions. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

History

HUMAN Protocol was established in 2020 with the HUMAN Protocol Foundation based in the Cayman Islands. The project emerged as a solution to challenges in the data labeling industry, particularly for AI, machine learning and blockchain applications.

The first application to run on HUMAN Protocol was hCaptcha, a privacy-protecting alternative to traditional CAPTCHA systems. hCaptcha gained significant adoption and is now used by approximately 15% of internet users, representing what the protocol describes as "the world's largest data-labeling workforce".

In 2021, the protocol launched its native token, HMT, to facilitate transactions within its ecosystem. The token was initially deployed on Ethereum but has since expanded to multiple blockchains to improve scalability and interoperability.

In March 2023, HUMAN Protocol expanded to the MultiversX blockchain (formerly Elrond), further enhancing its cross-chain capabilities. This expansion was part of the protocol's strategy to support growing transaction volumes by distributing operations across multiple blockchains.

Throughout its development, HUMAN Protocol has formed partnerships with various organizations and projects to enhance its capabilities and reach. These include collaborations with Chainlink for oracle services, Solana for scalability, and various AI and machine learning initiatives. ^{[2] [3] [8] [9] [13] [18]}

Technology

HUMAN Protocol's architecture consists of several key components that work together to enable secure and efficient job markets:

Core Components

1. Smart Contracts: The protocol uses blockchain-based smart contracts to automate job publishing, task distribution, validation, and payment processes. These contracts ensure transparency and trust between distributed parties.
2. Oracles: HUMAN Protocol employs a two-part oracle system to verify the successful completion of tasks and validate information provided to the network. This includes Exchange Oracles, Recording Oracles, and Reputation Oracles, each serving specific functions in the workflow.
3. Job Launcher: This component allows requesters to publish jobs to the network, specifying parameters such as task type, reward amount, and worker requirements.
4. HUMAN App: A user interface that enables workers to access and complete tasks, earning rewards in the process. The app serves as the primary point of interaction for contributors.

Workflow Process

The protocol follows a specific workflow for job processing:

1. A requester publishes a job, which is broken down into individual tasks.
2. Tasks are distributed to workers through supported applications.
3. Workers complete the tasks according to specifications.
4. Oracles validate the completed work.
5. Smart contracts automatically release payment in HMT tokens to workers upon successful validation.

This system is designed to handle high volumes of transactions efficiently. To prevent blockchain congestion, thousands to millions of tasks are batched into each transaction, allowing the protocol to scale effectively .

HUMAN Protocol's interoperability across multiple blockchains is a key technical feature, allowing it to leverage the strengths of different networks while mitigating their limitations. This cross-chain approach supports the protocol's growth and enables it to handle increasing transaction volumes as more applications integrate with the system. ^{[2] [6] [17]}

Human Token (HMT)

The HUMAN Protocol Token (HMT) is the native cryptocurrency of the HUMAN Protocol ecosystem. It serves as the primary mechanism for value transfer within the network, facilitating payments between requesters and workers.

HMT has a fixed maximum supply of 1 billion tokens, the token operates on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum (as an ERC-20 token) and MultiversX, to enhance accessibility and reduce transaction costs.

The token's primary use cases include:

1. Work Compensation: Requesters fund smart contracts with HMT to pay workers who complete tasks.
2. Network Operations: Oracle operators and other service providers within the ecosystem are compensated in HMT for their contributions.
3. Governance: Token holders may participate in protocol governance decisions, though the specific mechanisms vary.

HMT is available on several cryptocurrency exchanges, with Gate.io, MEXC, and CoinEx being the most active trading platforms by volume.

The token's value is tied to the adoption and utility of the HUMAN Protocol ecosystem. As more applications integrate with the protocol and more workers and requesters join the network, demand for HMT may increase, potentially affecting its market value. ^{[1] [2] [3] [5] [6] [7] [8] [12] [13] [17] [18]}