DoorDash Introduces App for AI Training Gigs
DoorDash has unveiled a new opportunity for its delivery drivers to diversify their income by engaging in AI-related tasks. The company has launched a dedicated app named Tasks, designed specifically for its network of approximately 8 million gig workers in the United States.
New Opportunities for Gig Workers
The Tasks app allows couriers to earn money by recording themselves performing various everyday activities. According to DoorDash, this data will assist in improving AI and robotics models’ understanding of the physical world. Available tasks range from folding clothes to washing dishes and making beds, with payouts increasing based on the complexity of each job. For example, tasks like pruning or repotting plants offer higher compensation due to their challenging nature.
Recording Multilingual Content
In addition to household chores, the app features gigs that involve language proficiency. Spanish speakers, for instance, are encouraged to capture spontaneous conversations about everyday topics, further enriching the data pool for AI training.
DoorDash on the Future of AI Training
Andy Fang, co-founder and chief technology officer of DoorDash, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the Tasks app. He highlighted its importance in advancing the frontier of physical intelligence, inviting users to anticipate the developments that will follow.
Initial Focus and Future Expansion
A representative from DoorDash informed NBC News that the Tasks app will initially emphasize activities related to AI and robotics training, with plans to incorporate a wider range of tasks in the future. The company noted that this app serves as a pilot project, offering a more focused selection compared to the extensive capabilities found in the popular Dasher app.
The Expanding Landscape of AI Training Gigs
DoorDash’s initiative is part of a broader trend wherein companies seek out human contributors to gather valuable AI training data. Last year, Uber tested a similar program that enabled gig workers in the U.S. to earn additional income by completing digital tasks such as uploading audio and images for AI training. In recent years, the data annotation sector has also flourished, employing numerous contractors to support AI model training efforts.
Innovative Data Collection Strategies
Businesses are increasingly focused on capturing physical data related to human movement. This information is pivotal for training humanoid robots for various tasks, including loading dishwashers. The Los Angeles Times recently highlighted a staffing platform, Instawork, which is recruiting individuals in Los Angeles to record themselves cleaning homes while wearing headbands equipped with phone mounts to gather data.
Collaboration for Household Robotics
Similarly, other robotics firms are employing creative strategies for data collection. California’s Sunday Robotics is distributing “skill capture gloves” across the U.S. These gloves, which track and memorize movements, will assist in training an AI-powered home robot currently in development.
Additional Features for Couriers
Alongside the Tasks app, DoorDash plans to introduce new features within the existing Dasher app, enhancing the capabilities available to couriers. Potential additions include verifying restaurant hours during holidays, capturing images of challenging drop-off locations, and assisting self-driving vehicles in navigation. According to Ethan Beatty, general manager of DoorDash Tasks, these initiatives leverage over a decade of problem-solving experience to address real-world challenges.
