Uber is testing a new initiative in the US that allows drivers to earn additional income by participating in AI model training. Called “Digital Tasks,” this pilot program lets drivers perform short tasks between rides to help companies train artificial intelligence systems.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced the pilot program, which is currently available to select Uber drivers in the United States. The initiative aims to provide drivers with alternative income streams, especially when they are not actively driving.
Khosrowshahi emphasized that the program was designed after driver feedback, with many drivers seeking more ways to earn during idle periods.
Drivers can access the program through the Work Hub in the Uber app. No prior experience is required, making the program accessible to all participating drivers and couriers. The exact launch date is not specified, but Uber plans to roll out the program later this year.
Depending on the driver’s completion of tasks, payouts vary, although the company has not disclosed how much each individual task will pay.
Uber lists three main tasks in the pilot program:
Recording videos of themselves speaking in any language.
Uploading documents in various languages.
Uploading images in specific categories.
Each task is designed to take just a few minutes, allowing drivers to earn money quickly without interrupting their ride-hailing schedules.
Uber explains that the tasks are intended for companies seeking human trainers for their AI products. While Uber has not revealed which companies are involved, the program helps AI systems improve language processing, image recognition, and other human-centric functions.
While the pilot is currently limited to US drivers, Uber Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal mentioned that the program could eventually expand to non-drivers. There is no official timeline for a global rollout.
Uber is likely using the pilot to gauge driver response and determine whether the program can scale more broadly.
The Digital Tasks program marks a significant shift for Uber, which has traditionally focused on ride-hailing and food delivery. The company is positioning itself to diversify income opportunities for drivers, particularly as autonomous vehicles threaten to reduce human driver demand in the long term.
Earlier this year, Khosrowshahi highlighted the long-term risk of robotaxis, stating that autonomous drivers could outperform human drivers over the next 15-20 years.
Provides extra earnings during downtime.
Requires no prior experience or technical skills.
Tasks are short and simple, designed to take only a few minutes.
Offers a flexible alternative income stream, complementing ride-hailing revenue.
If the pilot proves successful, Uber could expand Digital Tasks nationwide and possibly to global markets. The program also demonstrates Uber’s commitment to innovation and its efforts to adapt to a future with autonomous vehicles while supporting its driver community.