Arbitrum developers introduce ‘universal intent engine’ to improve Layer 2s interoperability

Offchain Labs, the core development firm behind Arbitrum, introduced what it describes as the “universal intent engine” to improve cross-chain interoperability for Layer 2 networks.

The developers said the engine would enable cross-chain swaps and transfers for Arbitrum-based chains and other EVM-based chains in less than three seconds, eventually allowing users to initiate complex actions with a single wallet prompt.

It is expected to launch by the end of the first quarter of this year, and more advanced cross-chain operations are planned to be rolled out by the third quarter.

The initial rollout involves broadcasting “intents” or user actions across the network, ensuring that different chains recognize and act upon these to help transfer tokens.

An intent is a digital order in which a user outlines a desired outcome rather than the steps to execute it. A third party called solver fulfills the user’s intent. Solvers compete to provide the best execution rates and fast transfer times.

The developers said this would serve as a connectivity layer, allowing for asset transfers and cross-chain swaps, specifically targeting Arbitrum ecosystem chains and other EVM-compatible Layer 2 networks.

“The universal intents engine we’re building with the community is going to redefine what interoperability looks like,” said Ed Felten, co-founder of Offchain Labs.

As such, Arbitrum’s so-called intent engine would enable users to define their specific intent while a network of solvers competes to fulfill these cost-effectively and quickly.

With this rollout, Arbitrum would compete with existing interoperability protocols based on intents such as Across, deBridge, Synapse, and others. Arbitrum’s close competitor, Optimism, is also developing a native interoperability system for Layer 2 chains in its Superchain ecosystem.