Rice Robotics to Launch Floki-themed Robot and RICE token

Floki announced that Rice Robotics will launch a custom FLOKI-branded AI robot and a new cryptocurrency token called $RICE. 

Let's take a closer look at what's in store…

The FLOKI M1 Minibot

The star of this rollout is the FLOKI M1 minibot, an AI-powered robotic assistant powered by Nvidia’s nano-computer. The device is built not just to help users at home, but also to learn from human interactions, strengthening AI models in real time. As users perform daily tasks with the M1, the robot captures valuable behavioral data that trains the Rice AI protocol.

Per reports, users will be financially rewarded in $RICE tokens simply for using their robotic assistant. 

Decentralized Physical AI: The Next Frontier

At the core of this innovation is Rice AI, a software-focused arm of Rice Robotics. It powers a decentralized AI protocol designed to build the world’s first scalable robotics workforce.

This ecosystem allows robots across the globe to buy and share training data with one another, creating an open AI marketplace. It’s part of a broader movement called Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI) — a new paradigm where intelligent machines operate on-chain, fueled by blockchain-native incentives.

Such a model offers dual benefits: it removes reliance on centralized AI monopolies and incentivizes individuals to participate in data generation, which historically has gone unrewarded.

The $RICE Token

The $RICE token will serve as the native currency of this robotics ecosystem. Its distribution strategy includes an airdrop for FLOKI holders and waitlist users, followed by reward-based farming through real-world interactions with the M1 bot and future devices.

TokenFi, the Floki ecosystem’s tokenization arm, is supporting the token launch.

Beyond just speculation, the $RICE token has actual use—not just in the data marketplace, but in daily robotic functions, incentivized interactions, and potential DePIN protocol integrations down the line.

Backed by Giants: From SoftBank to Alibaba

Rice Robotics has previously worked with major players like Nvidia, SoftBank, 7-Eleven, NTT Japan, and the Dubai Future Foundation. 

The company also recently closed a $7 million pre-Series A funding round, drawing investments from the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Soul Capital, Audacy Ventures, Sun Hung Kai & Company, and Cyberport HK.

SoftBank’s role is particularly notable. The firm is also leading the $500 billion Stargate initiative, an ambitious U.S.-based program aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence infrastructure — a move backed by former President Donald Trump. 

The AI robotics sector is currently valued at $22 billion, with forecasts estimating growth to over $100 billion by 2030. That sets the stage for explosive adoption, especially for decentralized models that challenge the walled gardens of today’s AI giants.

Rice Robotics, with its FLOKI-branded bots and integrated token utility, is emerging as a serious contender in the AI robotics sector. By blending hardware, decentralized software, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency incentives into a unified ecosystem, the company is building a reward-based model that stands out in a rapidly evolving industry.