Pay-per-capability AI agent where each security analysis is an independently priced microservice, settled via x402 HTTP payment protocol.
CronosAI demonstrates the x402 payment protocol in action: instead of generic "unlimited" API access, every capability has an explicit, transparent price paid in USDC.e. Users see exactly what they're paying for and can make granular economic decisions.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ "Is this swap safe?" │
│ │
│ CronosAI analyzes with: │
│ ✓ Contract vulnerability scan $0.01 │
│ ✓ Token approval safety check $0.02 │
│ ✓ Transaction simulation $0.03 │
│ ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── │
│ Total: $0.06 [Confirm with MetaMask] │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
This product only makes sense with x402. Without micropayments, it's just another free security scanner with no sustainable revenue model.
- Node.js >= 18
- MetaMask wallet (testnet)
- Testnet tokens:
- TCRO: Get from faucet
- devUSDCe: Available on Cronos testnet explorer
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Configure testnet
cp .env.testnet.example .env
# Edit .env with:
# ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-... (from console.anthropic.com)
# RECIPIENT_ADDRESS=0x... (your MetaMask address)
# Start backend
npm run dev
# In another terminal, start frontend
cd web && npm run devOpen http://localhost:5173 (UI shows "TESTNET" badge)
- Select a capability: Contract Scan, Wallet Approvals, or Simulate Transaction
- Enter your target (contract address or token)
- See the 402 payment request with breakdown
- Confirm via MetaMask (signs EIP-3009 authorization)
- Get results in real time
| Capability | Price | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Scan | $0.01 | Identify rug pulls, reentrancy, permission issues |
| Wallet Approvals | $0.02 | Find dangerous token approvals you've given |
| Transaction Simulation | $0.03 | Dry-run a swap before executing on-chain |
Each uses Claude to provide intelligent analysis, not just pattern matching.
- User requests a capability (e.g., scan contract)
- Backend returns HTTP 402 Payment Required with x402 header
- Frontend intercepts, opens MetaMask for signature
- User signs EIP-3009 authorization (no gas spent yet)
- Backend verifies signature, executes on-chain transfer via @crypto.com/facilitator-client
- Payment settled on Cronos, then capability executes
- Results returned to frontend
This flow proves x402 can power real applications on Cronos.
| Component | Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Backend | Node.js + Express + TypeScript | API orchestration, x402 middleware |
| AI Engine | Claude API (Anthropic) | Analysis & security assessment |
| Payment Layer | x402 + @crypto.com/facilitator-client | Micropayment settlement |
| Blockchain | Cronos EVM + ethers.js | On-chain transfers |
| Frontend | React + Vite + TailwindCSS | User interface |
- Architecture - Technical design & payment flow
- Capabilities - Detailed capability specs
- x402 Integration - Payment protocol implementation
- Security - Wallet & network safety
Traditional APIs (unlimited free, or subscription) don't work in DeFi:
- Free tier → bots + abuse → service dies
- Subscription → wrong model for occasional users
- x402 → granular, transparent, blockchain-settled
CronosAI shows how x402 creates new economic primitives on Cronos where each action has a price, and price is programmatically enforced.
MIT