# Source: https://docs.near.org/integrations/errors/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/api/rpc/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/tutorials/multichain-dao/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/tutorials/controlling-near-accounts/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/tutorials/auction/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/primitives/lockup/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/web3-apps/tutorials/localnet/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/smart-contracts/testing/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/ai/shade-agents/getting-started/introduction.md

# Source: https://docs.near.org/ai/introduction.md

---
id: introduction
title: AI and NEAR
sidebar_label: Introduction
description: "Introduction to NEAR's User-Owned AI vision, featuring Shade Agents and NEAR AI."
---

Building AI agents that control accounts and assets on all blockchains has never been easier. NEAR enables AI agents to transact on any chain, while
our **Shade Agent Framework** allows to create verifiable and trustless AI agents with multi-chain capabilities out of the box.

![img](/assets/docs/welcome-pages/9.near-nodes.png)

:::tip Using AI to build on NEAR?

Searching for how to use AI to help you build NEAR dApps, check our [Building NEAR Apps with AI](./llms.md) documentation

:::


---

## Let Your Agent use NEAR

AI Agents can easily control account and assets on all blockchains thanks to NEARs unique features. You simply need to give them access to a NEAR account and they can start interacting with smart contracts, sending transactions, and managing assets everywhere.

Check our [NEAR MCP](./near-mcp.md) documentation to get started.

---

## Build Trustless Multi-Chain Agents

The [Shade Agent Framework](./shade-agents/getting-started/introduction.md) enables to build **verifiable** **multi-chain AI agents**. These agents operate in Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) and leverage NEAR features such as multi-key management and Chain Signatures to securely manage assets and sign transactions across multiple blockchains.

Shade agents can autonomously sign transactions on any chain, interact with AI models and external data sources, and perform privacy-preserving, verifiable computations.

:::info
Shade Agents power [Agentic Protocols](./shade-agents/concepts/what-can-you-build#agentic-protocols): a new type of decentralized application designed to be autonomous, proactive, and intelligent.
:::

---

## Which Docs Should I Use?

| Docs                                                                           | Best if you...                                                                           |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| [AI + NEAR](./near-mcp.md)                                                     | Already have an AI Agent, and want to connect it to NEAR (and other chains)              |
| [Building NEAR Apps with AI](./llms.md)                                        | Are building a NEAR App, and want your Code Agents to help you better                    |
| [Trustless Multi-chain Agents](./shade-agents/getting-started/introduction.md) | Are building an agent from zero and need to securely handle funds across multiple chains |

---

## Common Questions

### Can Trustless Agents lose access to their wallets?
Not with Shade Agents. They use decentralized key management—any instance of the agent with the same code can access the same accounts.

### Do I need to know blockchain development?
Our tools and resources help to abstract away the complexity of blockchain development.

### What chains can my agent interact with?
NEAR accounts allow to transact on all chains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana thanks to Chain Signatures.