Uber wants to pay its drivers to train its artificial intelligence or do other jobs that do not involve driving. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.

Uber is introducing a program that enables its drivers and couriers to earn extra money by participating in tasks designed to train artificial intelligence systems. These tasks include uploading photos and recording themselves speaking in various languages or accents, and the compensation will depend on the complexity and time required for each activity. Drivers will be informed of the payment for each task before accepting it.

The initiative is intended to provide gig workers with additional earning opportunities during their downtime, responding to requests from drivers for more flexible income options. While the program is currently being tested in India, there is no information yet on which AI models the data will be used for or if Uber will partner with specific companies for this purpose. The CEO of Uber has also noted that robo-taxis could replace drivers in the future, but AI training tasks could offer supplemental income in the meantime.

Uber wants to pay drivers to train its AI

Well, if you're watching from the East Coast, maybe you're hailing an Uber to get to lunch. Some big changes coming to the ride share company. They're testing a new program to pay its workers to train artificial intelligence. So let's hit your ride to New York and CBS News Chanel call with the big question, how does all of this work? All right, Reen, so the company is saying the idea here is for Uber drivers and couriers to be able to make more money through the app, even when they're not out on the road or making a delivery. So think of it like gig workers, right? Drivers, they'll be able to complete some small online jobs. For example, they can upload photos to help train AI models, or Reen, they could record themselves speaking in certain languages or accents. As for how much they'll get paid for tasks like that, well, Uber says the pay here will really depend on a couple of factors, complexity and how much time it'll take to actually complete the task. But drivers, they will be able to see how much they'll be paid for those tasks before accepting the job. This model, by the way, already being tested in India. Okay, so I hear from a lot of Uber drivers, some of which are gig workers here, and some like it, some don't. What do they say about this? Well, the company is saying, the CEO is saying, Reen, that drivers were actually asking for more ways to earn money, even when they're not out on the road. This is sort of a best use of time for them, they say. The CEO also saying, Reen, that this would essentially offer them some income during their downtime. But we should note, earlier this month, the CEO of Uber said that robo-taxis could actually replace drivers in 10 to 15 years, and also that AI training could offer supplemental income. At this point, though, no indication yet of whose AI model they will be training those photos or videos may be uploaded to, and whether or not those companies will contract with Uber in the future. Okay, Chanel Call watching. Thank you so much. Good to talk to you, friend.

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