Uber is tapping into its vast network of drivers and couriers in the United States to bolster its AI development efforts. The ride-hailing giant is launching a pilot program that offers drivers opportunities to earn extra income by completing small AI training tasks, dubbed ‘microtasks.’ These tasks involve activities such as recording audio samples, capturing and uploading images, and submitting documents, providing valuable data for improving Uber’s AI models.
This initiative positions Uber to potentially compete with established players in the data annotation and labeling industry, such as Scale AI and Amazon Mechanical Turk. Beyond microtasks, Uber is also enhancing the driver experience with redesigned trip offer cards and a heatmap indicating high-demand zones. The company is also expanding safety features, including the continued rollout and testing of the Women Rider Preference option.
These announcements, as reported by The Verge, underscore Uber’s commitment to creating a leading platform for flexible work while simultaneously prioritizing the safety of both drivers and riders.