AI agents are evolving into independent operators that can negotiate, execute tasks, and manage payments without human oversight. For this shift to work at scale, these agents need a payment system built for speed, security, and programmability. Kite is designed to meet that need. It functions as a settlement layer purpose-built for AI-driven commerce, allowing autonomous systems to move value efficiently while staying within clearly defined rules.
Kite runs on an EVM-compatible Layer 1 network optimized for real-time execution. Its proof-of-stake consensus enables near-instant finality, giving AI agents the ability to settle transactions without delay. To support frequent microtransactions, Kite uses state channels that move repetitive payments off the main chain while keeping them verifiable. This design keeps fees low and performance stable, even as transaction volume increases.
Control and security are central to Kite’s architecture. The network uses a three-layer identity framework that balances autonomy with accountability. Users retain full ownership of assets through standard wallets. Each AI agent is assigned a unique, verifiable identity linked to its creator, ensuring traceability. Session-based keys limit exposure by allowing agents to perform specific tasks within defined contexts. Verifiable credentials and decentralized identifiers make every action auditable without compromising privacy.
Stablecoins power Kite’s transaction layer. Because AI systems rely on predictable pricing, the network supports major stable assets natively. This enables pay-per-task billing, per-second payment streaming, and automated escrow. Smart contracts enforce conditions such as spending limits, deadlines, and performance milestones, ensuring funds move only when requirements are met.
The KITE token anchors the ecosystem’s economics. Early incentives reward developers and users who contribute to network growth. As adoption expands, KITE becomes essential for staking, validator security, and governance decisions. With a fixed supply and community-focused distribution, its role strengthens alongside increased AI-driven activity on the network.
Kite is already supporting practical use cases. Autonomous agents can settle API usage fees instantly, manage logistics payments upon delivery verification, and automate escrow in digital marketplaces. By combining speed, security, and programmable payments, Kite enables AI systems to operate as trusted participants in a transparent onchain economy.
