Problem
Existing IoT-blockchain systems (IOTA, Helium) allow devices to earn, but payments flow to human-controlled wallets. The device remains an instrument, not an economic agent.
Furthermore, privacy solutions often rely on a trusted gateway to generate proofs. If the gateway is compromised or compelled, privacy is lost.
Solution
Ndani (Swahili for “Inside”) moves the entire trust boundary inside the farmer’s control.
- Device-Held Wallets: Keys live in the ATECC608A secure element.
- Local Proof Server: Farmer-owned Raspberry Pi 5 generates ZK proofs locally.
Core Concepts Used
| Concept | Application |
|---|---|
| brace | Anonymous device registration |
| zkp | Proof of policy compliance |
| device-wallet | Autonomous economic agency |
| trustless-architecture | No-gateway proof generation |
Architecture
[Sensor Node] <--- LoRa ---> [Local Pi 5 Proof Server] <--- Internet ---> [Midnight Network]
| | |
(Generates Data) (Generates Proof) (Verifies Proof)
Hardware Stack
Trustless Node (~$163.50)
| Component | Function | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32-S3 | Sensor Microcontroller | $8.00 |
| ATECC608A | Identity + Wallet Keys | $2.50 |
| SX1276 | LoRa Transceiver | $6.00 |
| Sensors/Power | Env + Solar | $22.00 |
| Raspberry Pi 5 | Local Proof Server | $80.00 |
| Pi Infra | Power + Case + SD | $35.00 |
| Total | $153.50 | |
Constraints
- Cost: Higher per-node cost (~$160 vs ~$50) justified by trustlessness.
- Complexity: Requires managing local server infrastructure.
- Connectivity: Pi 5 requires internet backhaul.