Uber pays drivers to help train AI models in US pilot
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The news: Uber has launched a US pilot that pays some drivers and couriers to help train AI models by completing digital tasks such as uploading photos or recording audio clips.
Announced at the company’s Only on Uber event in Washington DC, the company said it has created the new job category called “digital tasks”.
The pilot includes tasks like uploading photos, recording voice samples or submitting documents via the Uber driver app.
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a statement the pilot was launched because drivers had asked for more ways to earn, “during downtime”.
The numbers: Uploading a Spanish-language menu could earn as much as USD1, The Verge reported, while Uber told media that payouts vary based on the complexity and time required for each task.
Chief product officer Sachin Kansal told Bloomberg Uber has between 8.5 and 9 million drivers on the ground globally.
The context: Kansal said the tasks are designed to be completed on a phone, take just minutes and will vary in pay depending on complexity. Uber reportedly won’t allow drivers to complete AI-training tasks while driving or waiting for a ride.
The program follows testing in India and comes as Uber expands its AI Solutions business, which sells AI training services.
It also comes amid growing concerns over driver job security as autonomous vehicles roll out.
Uber also introduced new app features, including expanded access to the women rider preference setting, new rider rating filters and changes to its deactivation process, among others.
