Fusion: Practice and Applications FPA 2692-4048 2770-0070 10.54216/FPA https://www.americaspg.com/journals/show/2126 2018 2018 Exploring the Fusion of Blockchain and AI for Enhanced Practices in IoT Ecosystems: Opportunities and Challenges Universidad Regional Autonoma de los Andes (UNIANDES), Ecuador Fausto Vizcaino Naranjo Universidad Regional Autonoma de los Andes (UNIANDES), Ecuador Jorge L. Acosta Espinoza Universidad Regional Autonoma de los Andes (UNIANDES), Ecuador Silvio Machuca Vivar The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in an era of unprecedented data generation, offering transformative potential across industries. Yet, this vast data landscape brings forth challenges related to security, privacy, trust, and intelligent data analysis. In response to these challenges, the fusion of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) within IoT ecosystems has emerged as a promising solution. This paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this fusion, delving into its opportunities and challenges. We provide an overview of IoT's evolution, blockchain technology's fundamental principles, and the significance of AI in data analysis and decision-making. Our focus lies in elucidating how the integration of blockchain fortifies data security, trust, and transparency in IoT applications, while AI augments data analysis, predictive maintenance, and automation. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and considerations that accompany the integration of AI and blockchain in IoT environments, including scalability, privacy concerns, interoperability, and ethical considerations. By examining the intricate interplay of these technologies, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how the fusion of blockchain and AI can usher in a new era of secure, intelligent, and efficient IoT practices. 2023 2023 52 61 10.54216/FPA.130205 https://www.americaspg.com/articleinfo/3/show/2126