Coinbase Launches NodeSmith — AI System for Automating Blockchain Node Upgrades

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase announced the public launch of the NodeSmith system, designed to automate blockchain node upgrades using artificial intelligence. According to the company, the solution is already being used for more than 60 networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Celo, Aptos, and Story.

NodeSmith has reduced engineering costs for node upgrades by 30%, eliminated the risk of missing mandatory updates, and implemented automated code change analysis. Over the past three months, the system has processed more than 500 updates, each accompanied by its own challenges — from official documentation to Discord messages just hours before activation.

Coinbase emphasized that missing a critical update can directly affect the operations of millions of customers. A failure in node synchronization can cause transaction delays and reduce user trust.

NodeSmith operates in two stages. The Triage Agent collects data from GitHub, Discord, Telegram, and on-chain voting, translating code changes into understandable descriptions. For example, if the variable NO_ACTIVATION_HEIGHT is replaced with a specific block number, the agent adds context about the consensus update launch.

Next, the Upgrade Orchestrator comes into play, coordinating five specialized agents: repository analysis, Kubernetes configuration updates, Docker and CI/CD management, and deployment first to test networks and then to the mainnet. All agents use a shared context storage, and critical operations are performed with deterministic Python code.

According to Coinbase, the implementation of NodeSmith has already yielded significant results:

• no missed mandatory updates;
• reduction in deployment errors;
• creation of a knowledge base for future updates.

The company noted that the system allows engineers to focus on platform development and the integration of new blockchains instead of routine node maintenance.