Summary
Uber is launching a pilot program in the US that allows drivers and couriers to earn extra income by completing microtasks designed to train AI models. This initiative positions Uber to compete with established AI data-labeling platforms while also introducing new app features aimed at improving driver experience, safety, and fairness.
Uber’s New AI Microtasks Pilot
Uber has introduced a pilot program enabling its US drivers and couriers to earn additional money by performing small digital tasks within the app. These microtasks include recording audio, capturing and uploading images, and submitting documents in various languages. Examples of tasks are uploading images of cars, recording oneself speaking a local dialect, or uploading a Spanish menu, which can earn up to a dollar per task.
Competing with Established AI Training Platforms
This move allows Uber’s extensive network of freelance drivers and delivery workers to enter the AI training space, challenging established players like Scale AI and Amazon Mechanical Turk. These platforms rely on human labor to annotate and label data critical for developing advanced AI models, often using low-cost labor outside the US. Uber’s initiative taps into its existing workforce to contribute to this essential AI development process.
Enhancements to the Driver and Courier Experience
Alongside the microtasks, Uber is rolling out several updates to improve how drivers and couriers interact with the app. Changes include redesigned trip offer cards that give drivers more time and information before accepting rides, a new heatmap highlighting high-demand areas with color-coded wait times and surge pricing indicators, and an improved on-trip experience for couriers that simplifies multi-order deliveries with clearer instructions and alerts for commonly missed items.
Safety Features and Rider Preferences
Uber is expanding its Women Rider Preferences feature to more cities, allowing women drivers and riders to connect based on mutual preferences. This feature has been used on over 100 million trips, with many women drivers opting to keep it enabled. Additionally, drivers can now set minimum rider ratings to enhance their comfort and safety, toggling this setting as needed. Combined with rider verification, these tools aim to provide greater peace of mind during trips.
Fairness and Support for Drivers
Addressing long-standing concerns about driver deactivations, Uber is implementing measures to make the process fairer and more transparent. Instead of full platform deactivation for certain issues, drivers may lose access only to specific earning opportunities. Drivers will also have the chance to respond to rider complaints before decisions are made, and riders who file false reports risk deactivation themselves.
Additional Updates to Improve Earnings and Tips
Uber is introducing a Delayed Ride Guarantee, allowing drivers to earn more when trips are delayed due to customer-related or external factors like traffic. The company is also enhancing tipping reminders for riders, including expanding notifications to iPhone Live Activities, encouraging more consistent tipping of drivers and couriers.