DoorDash Pays Couriers to Train AI with New ‘Tasks’ App
▼ Summary
– DoorDash has launched a new “Tasks” app where delivery couriers can earn money by completing assignments to improve AI and robotic systems.
– Workers will perform activities like filming everyday tasks or recording speech, with upfront pay based on the effort and complexity.
– The collected audio and video data will be used to train both DoorDash’s own AI models and those of its partners in various industries.
– This initiative mirrors similar efforts by companies like Uber, which also uses its workforce for small jobs to train AI models.
– The tasks are also integrated into the main Dasher app and are initially available in select U.S. markets, with plans for future expansion.
DoorDash has introduced a new standalone application called Tasks, enabling its delivery drivers to earn additional income by performing specific assignments designed to enhance artificial intelligence and robotic systems. This initiative provides a flexible earning opportunity beyond standard food delivery, allowing couriers to contribute to technological development through activities like recording video footage or audio samples. The company emphasizes that the collected data is crucial for helping AI understand real-world environments, with compensation being clearly displayed upfront and scaled according to the effort and complexity involved.
According to the company’s announcement, the audio and video content submitted by workers will be utilized to train and refine both DoorDash’s proprietary AI models and those of its external partners. These partners operate across diverse industries including retail, insurance, hospitality, and general technology. One specific task example requires a courier to use a body camera to film themselves washing at least five dishes, holding each clean dish in the camera’s view for several seconds before proceeding. This granular data collection helps machines learn detailed physical tasks.
This move aligns with a broader trend where gig economy platforms leverage their extensive workforces for AI training. For instance, Uber recently revealed a similar program where drivers can complete small jobs, such as uploading photographs, to generate extra income while aiding AI development. DoorDash’s strategy effectively mobilizes its vast network of contractors to gather the large-scale, real-world datasets necessary for advancing automation.
Beyond the dedicated Tasks app, couriers will also find new digital “Tasks” integrated directly into the primary Dasher application. These can include practical assignments like helping a restaurant by taking authentic photos of menu items or capturing images of a hotel entrance to assist other drivers with navigation. The app also lists existing partnerships, such as the collaboration with Waymo, where Dashers are paid a small fee for simply closing the doors of autonomous delivery vehicles after retrieving an order.
The company sees this as a powerful way to digitize the physical world by tapping into the reach of its over eight million drivers. Ethan Beatty, General Manager for DoorDash Tasks, stated that the program aims to help businesses gain ground-level insights while offering Dashers more control over how and when they earn. The initiative is currently available in select U. S. markets, excluding California, New York City, Seattle, and Colorado, with plans to expand the variety of tasks and launch in more countries in the future.
(Source: TechCrunch)
