Mechs are autonomous services that process on-chain requests and execute off-chain actions for a small fee. Typically involving Large Language Model (LLM) requests, mechs store metadata on IPFS and hashes on smart contracts that manage payments. Essentially, mechs serve as on-demand brains for applications.

Mechs are crucial as they offer a wide range of AI-oriented tools and facilitate access to private APIs, such as OpenAI API. By acting as a centralized hub, mechs enable applications to make LLM requests without necessitating individual API payments or interface implementations. This can be viewed as a universal interface for multiple LLMs and smart tools.

The mech process begins with an agent or application sending an on-chain request to use an AI tool provided by a Mech service, accompanied by a cryptocurrency fee. The Mech service then identifies the appropriate tool, executes the request, and retrieves the response. Finally, the Mech records the response on-chain, making it accessible to the requesting agent or application.