DoorDash is rolling out a new way for its gig workers to earn money—by helping train artificial intelligence models. The company is introducing paid “microtasks” that allow Dashers to submit data, such as images, audio, and videos, to improve its AI systems. DoorDash is basically turning its delivery network into a group of people who teach AI. Bloomberg reports that the project aims to gather real-world data to enhance the machine learning models that drive the platform and other automation initiatives.
DoorDash adds Gig Workers to its system to train AI
DoorDash is letting gig workers do tasks in the app while they wait for their next delivery. The point of these tasks is to get useful training data for AI systems. The first report says that these tasks could include:
- Recording short audio clips
- Taking pictures or videos in some situations
- Writing down simple things you do in the real world
- Sending in labeled data to improve the system’s accuracy
This way of doing things is becoming more common in the gig economy. The Verge says that businesses like Uber are already paying drivers to do digital tasks that help train AI models. The company is looking to improve its automation, logistics, and, maybe even, future robotics using the vast amount of real-world data it collects.
Why does DoorDash pay people to do AI work?
DoorDash is investing in AI to make its platform work better and smarter. These systems need a lot of high-quality, real-world data to learn from, and gig workers are uniquely positioned to provide it. This development is what it means for workers and the platform:
Pros for Dashers
- Extra ways to make money: Workers can make cash when they aren’t delivering goods.
- You can choose to participate in tasks and do them in the app.
- Easy to get started: You don’t need any advanced technical skills.
DoorDash’s Benefits
- Faster AI development: Real-world data makes machine learning more accurate.
- Scalable workforce: Millions of gig workers can give you data.
- Cost-effectiveness: Less need for outside data-labeling services.
This move puts DoorDash and other tech companies in a race to build better AI systems using gig workers. The fact that DoorDash is getting into AI training shows that the industry is changing in a bigger way. Gig platforms are no longer just for physical work, like delivering food; they are becoming places where people can do digital work. Companies are mixing more and more:
- Delivery services
- Sites for small jobs
- Ecosystems for labeling data for AI
This trend shows how important it is to have data made by people in the age of AI. DoorDash and other platforms are using their own workers instead of hiring outside companies.
Q: What kinds of AI jobs does DoorDash offer?
DoorDash has simple microtasks that help train machine learning models, like recording audio, taking pictures, and sending videos.
Q: Do Dashers have to do tasks to train AI?
No, the tasks are not necessary. It’s up to the employees whether they want to do them.
Q: How do Dashers get paid for doing AI work?
People who work for the app get paid differently depending on the job, but they can make more money by completing the tasks they’re given.
In conclusion, DoorDash is growing beyond just delivering food by using its gig workers to teach AI. DoorDash is improving its systems and giving workers new ways to make money by paying them to do simple online tasks. In an AI-driven economy, this is a major shift in how gig platforms operate.
