Offchain Labs Builds Universal Intents Engine To Boost Layer-2 Interoperability

Blockchain space is huge and constantly evolving. However, it’s fragmented. L2Beat lists 59 layer-2 rollups and 81 Alt-DA (alternative data accessibility) layers. Six more chains are classified as “others” on the website. There are still more chains to be added. It can be difficult to transfer assets from one network to another. This causes delays, inefficiencies and even financial losses. Fragmentation is a problem for applications that operate on isolated networks. It can also degrade the user experience and prevent seamless trading.

Offchain Labs is the creator of Arbitrum. To help smooth the crypto-space, Offchain Labs has developed a piece of technology that can solve interop issues in Arbitrum as well as other areas. Offchain Labs has announced that it is partnering with industry leaders in order to close the gap between layer-2 networks. Universal Intent Engine is the name you should remember.

What is Universal Intent Engine (UIE)?

This project’s core concept is to create a seamless ecosystem that allows users to interact with Ethereum layers-2 and Arbitrum chains as one. The engine allows for cross-chain transfers and swaps across all Arbitrum-based and EVM chains to be completed in less than three seconds. Users will now be able execute complex tasks with just a wallet command.

Intents are the basis of Universal Intent Engine. Intents are digital commands which define the outcome desired of a particular transaction, without specifying how it will be executed, for example, “Buy 0.5% rETH with 1000 USDC from Mainnet”. Users can initiate complex transactions without having to manually execute them. Instead, a network will work together in order to complete it as efficiently as possible. It speeds up the transaction process, and lowers the cost of transactions. This makes it a very attractive option for the crypto-market.

Key components of the Universal Intent Engine

Offchain Labs explains four components that are key to the first version of its intents engine:

The Message Standard is a standard message format that can be used for any Arbitrum chain.

Broadcast Standard – establishes a trustless channel of communication, linking Arbitrum chains with the wider EVM ecosystem

Fast Settlement – This option speeds up the process by allowing Arbitrum chains to access quick settlement methods, such as Fast Withdrawals or ZK Integrations.

The Intent Dissemination feed, which is a hub that acts as the central repository for all user intentions, creates a frictionless exchange and transfer experience.

In Q1 2025 the Universal Intents Engine will be launched, which allows integrated chains to transfer assets between blockchains in less than 3 seconds. The solution will initially be limited to arbitrum chains. It will later be expanded to include other EVM chain. The engine’s second phase, which is targeted for Q3 of 2025, will allow native cross-chain operation in a cheap, fast and trustworthy manner.