Uber pilots in-app AI task program for drivers in India

Uber

Uber has launched a pilot program in India that allows drivers to earn additional income by completing digital tasks such as data labelling and data collection directly within the Uber app.

The initiative is part of Uber AI Solutions, the company’s global unit that supports work in areas ranging from training self-driving cars and augmented reality systems to assisting generative AI projects. Until now, these tasks were performed by independent contractors outside the Uber platform. The pilot marks the first time such work is being integrated into the driver app itself.

According to the company, the program is showing “very promising” early results. By giving drivers the opportunity to supplement their earnings with digital micro-tasks, Uber aims to expand its income streams for partners in India, its largest market outside the US.

The tasks involve labeling data sets that help train AI models or providing data inputs that can be used for advanced research and product development. While Uber did not disclose the number of drivers currently participating in the pilot, it said it is looking to scale the program further after the initial tests.

A company statement credited cross-functional teams, including the earner and Indian operations teams, for driving the project. “This innovation opens up a new way for drivers to participate in the AI economy, while boosting their incomes,” Uber said.

If successful, the pilot could pave the way for similar integrations in other global markets.