Uber Engineers Create AI Clone of Their Boss
▼ Summary
– Uber’s CEO views the company primarily as a large code base built by its engineers, rather than just a ride-hailing or delivery service.
– Uber engineers have created an AI chatbot, called “Dara AI,” to simulate the CEO for practicing presentations before actual meetings.
– Approximately 90% of Uber’s software engineers are currently using AI tools in their work.
– About 30% of these engineers are considered “power users” who are using AI to fundamentally rethink the company’s architecture.
– The CEO states that AI is increasing engineer productivity at an unprecedented rate he has never seen before.
Uber’s engineers have developed a unique internal tool to streamline their workflow: an AI chatbot modeled after CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. This digital clone, informally dubbed the “Dara AI,” is used by teams to rehearse and refine presentations before they reach the actual executive. The CEO revealed this innovative practice during a recent podcast interview, explaining that the tool helps staff anticipate his questions and polish their proposals. By the time a formal meeting occurs, the material has been thoroughly vetted through this simulated interaction.
The concept emerged from a culture where engineers are viewed as the fundamental builders of the company. Khosrowshahi describes Uber not merely as a transportation platform but as a vast, living codebase constructed by its technical teams. The adoption of AI within these teams is significant, with approximately 90% of Uber’s software engineers now incorporating artificial intelligence into their daily tasks. A substantial portion, around 30%, are considered “power users” who are leveraging these tools to fundamentally rethink and redesign the company’s underlying systems.
These power users are not just implementing incremental changes; they are actively reshaping the architectural foundations of Uber’s technology. Khosrowshahi likened them to both manufacturers crafting the essential components and architects designing the overall structure. This deep integration of AI is driving a profound shift in productivity, one that the CEO admits he has never witnessed before in his career. The impact extends beyond simple automation, fostering a new paradigm for how software is conceived and built within the organization.
The creation of the CEO chatbot underscores a practical, bottom-up approach to innovation. Instead of a top-down mandate, engineering teams proactively built a solution to improve their preparation and communication efficiency. This tool allows them to simulate the executive review process, identifying potential weaknesses or unanswered questions in their proposals early on. The result is a more streamlined and effective preparation cycle, ensuring that presentations to senior leadership are meticulously honed.
This story highlights a broader trend of generative AI moving from experimental projects to core, productivity-enhancing tools within major corporations. At Uber, the technology is being woven directly into the creative and strategic processes of its most critical technical workforce. The “Dara AI” serves as a compelling example of how AI can be customized for specific organizational needs, going beyond generic applications to address unique internal workflows and communication styles.
The CEO’s acknowledgment of this tool reflects a leadership style that embraces such grassroots technological experimentation. By validating the engineers’ initiative, Khosrowshahi reinforces the idea that innovation can originate from any level of the company. The focus remains squarely on leveraging technology to build better systems, improve efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in a fast-paced industry.
(Source: TechCrunch)
