- Pi Network used idle CPU power during the ongoing mainnet upgrade phase to test AI image recognition on nodes powered by OpenMind.
- The network must upgrade its mainnet nodes to v20.2 by March 12th as part of the path toward version 23.0 in Q2 of this year.
Pi Network is testing artificial intelligence workloads on its network of nodes as it goes through the required mainnet upgrade path ahead of the planned launch of Pi Day DEX. The project ordered node operators to complete the migration to version 20.2 by March 12th. This step forms part of a broader roadmap aimed at moving the network to version 23.0 in the second quarter of 2026.
The upgrade process follows a fixed order. Node operators must migrate versions 19.1, 19.6, 19.9, 20.2, 21.1, 22.1, and 23.0 in order. Recently we have covered Pi Network has completed the transition to protocol v19.9 and is preparing to deploy v20.2.
The network requires all mainnet nodes to complete that step by a March 12 deadline. If the nodes are not updated in time, you risk losing network connectivity.
Protocol upgrades underway (Step 3 – Deadline: March 12): The Pi Mainnet blockchain protocol continues to undergo a series of upgrades. All mainnet nodes must complete this step by the deadline to maintain connectivity to the network. Click here for details:…
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) March 5, 2026
This structured path will support the next stage of Pi Network’s development. This development is tied to technical preparations for Pi Day, when the project plans to introduce a new decentralized exchange. At the same time, the team is testing whether the Node system can perform tasks beyond transaction validation.
During the upgrade phase, Pi Network ran a case study with OpenMind to test AI computing on node machines. In this study, a node computer was used to process an object recognition task using image analysis. Results were returned within seconds, demonstrating that the system can complete basic AI workloads using computing power distributed across the network.
This test demonstrates a broader use case for node networks. Many Pi nodes run on personal computers with unused CPU capacity. That idle power can be redirected to lightweight AI tasks rather than sitting unused. This model turns the network into a distributed computing system that can support both blockchain activities and selected AI capabilities.
Recently, CNF reported Pi Network celebrated its first anniversary as an open network by outlining new priorities around AI tools, KYC, and ecosystem tokens.
Pi Network unifies upgrade paths and AI utilities
The project’s broader plans combine infrastructure maturation with new utilities. The Version 23.0 target for Q2 2026 reflects a broader push to expand the role of the network. The Pi Network is preparing an ecosystem for both exchange-related activities and computing services related to decentralized participation.
AI trials also add a new layer to the project’s working model. If this concept moves beyond testing, node operators could eventually contribute processing power for AI workloads and receive Pi-based rewards. This model allows users to keep the node software running while utilizing spare computing power to support tasks such as image recognition.
Pi Network already reports more than 350,000 nodes and millions of KYC-verified users worldwide. In February we reported After completing the design and implementation phase, it said it is testing the KYC validator reward distribution system.
