Uber introduces data tasks for select U.S. drivers to generate additional income.
Uber Technologies Inc. is poised to expand its revenue streams by enabling select drivers in the U.S. to engage in a new job category focused on digital tasks. This initiative aligns with the company’s strategic vision to capitalize on the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) sector, specifically targeting the demand for tailored datasets and human-verified labeling services essential for training AI models.
The upcoming feature, termed “digital tasks,” will soon be integrated into the Uber driver app, allowing registered drivers to earn additional income through brief, straightforward assignments. These tasks can include activities such as uploading restaurant menus or recording audio samples in various languages. According to company representatives, the variety of tasks will expand over time, with compensation reflecting the complexity and time requirements of each assignment.
Uber’s venture into this arena comes at a time when the market for data labeling services is experiencing significant growth. Companies like Scale AI, which have similar offerings, have successfully attracted substantial investments, illustrating the lucrative nature of this sector. Scale AI garnered over billion in funding from Meta Platforms Inc. this year, highlighting the competitive landscape that Uber is entering.
Beyond providing these services through its driver network, Uber AI Solutions is actively marketing its capabilities to other enterprises, proposing that companies outsource aspects of their AI development to independent contractors. With its recent launch of a web-based platform aimed at recruiting a global talent pool for diverse gig opportunities—ranging from coding to translation—Uber is making strides to position itself as a key player in the digital economy.
The introduction of digital tasks is not primarily a response to the potential disruption that autonomous vehicles may pose to driver jobs, but rather an effort to retain driver engagement by providing varied earning opportunities. This development coincides with the company’s expanding partnerships in the autonomous vehicle sector, although the company maintains that its human driver workforce remains substantial.
After testing these new digital tasks in India, Uber is preparing for their introduction in the United States. Future plans might include opening these opportunities to non-drivers as Uber aims to enhance earning potential for those already utilizing its platform.
In addition to the new digital task offerings, the company is making improvements to the driver app. Notably, it is expanding features that allow female drivers to prioritize rides with female passengers in several U.S. cities and is implementing a nationwide option that permits drivers to set a minimum passenger rating for potential riders. These updates reflect Uber’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the driver experience while tapping into new revenue avenues in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
According to company officials, the digital tasks are designed for ease of completion on mobile devices, enabling drivers to earn income even when not actively transporting passengers. By leveraging its vast network of drivers and their agility, Uber aims to solidify its place in multiple arenas of the gig economy, making the most of the changing dynamics in transportation and technology.
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