Key Takeaways
- Uber drivers can now complete “digital tasks” that train the company’s AI models in between trips.
- The program is part of Uber’s quest to become the best place for flexible work, and was announced alongside other developments.
- While the venture will propel Uber in the eyes of competitors, it’s uncertain whether drivers would be interested.
Uber will now give the opportunity for drivers to earn a bit more cash, through small “digital tasks” that help the company train its AI models.
The program was announced alongside other developments, all geared towards making Uber the most flexible platform to work on.
While the program will certainly allow Uber to keep up with competitors, it’s doubtful whether drivers will be interested, especially because of complaints surrounding pay in the past.
Uber Drivers Can Now Complete Small AI Tasks as They Wait for Rides
Here’s something Uber drivers can now do while they wait for ride requests: train Uber’s AI models. The app now offers “digital tasks” to drivers to allow them to make a few extra dollars in the car.
These tasks consist of jobs such as recording audio in certain languages or with certain accents, entering documents in different languages, and submitting certain photos.
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The amount drivers will get paid will depend on the complexity of the task they undertake. The Verge reports that uploading a Spanish menu, for example, earns drivers a dollar.
Do Drivers Want to Go All In on AI?
The program exists in support of Uber AI Solutions, which expanded earlier this month with the purchase of Segments AI, a startup that uses camera and sensor information to enable autonomous driving. A similar pilot program was carried out in India, where drivers were able to earn small amounts of money responding to prompts in the Uber app.
The move will certainly allow Uber to compete with other companies such as Scale AI and Amazon’s Mechanical Turks, who work with generative AI companies to help train their models.
However, as beneficial as this may be for Uber, there’s a big question mark over whether drivers will be interested in the program, especially as there have been complaints in the past about low pay as a result of Uber’s high take rate on deliveries and rides.
Uber Promotes Flexible Work Solution
The program was announced alongside other developments at the company as it strives towards becoming “the best platform for flexible work,” according to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
Most developments are related to how drivers and customers interact with the app. Other announcements made include introducing a new heatmap to direct drivers to high-demand areas, and expanding features for women drivers to have more control over their rides.
While a spokesperson for Uber has said that the AI driver tasks will not be used to develop autonomous vehicles, the company appears to be interested in expanding its offering through AI, so this is something we can keep an eye out for.
