DoorDash Pays Deliverers to Film and Train AI

DoorDash Innovates with the 'Tasks' App to Train AI

DoorDash recently unveiled an innovative app called “Tasks,” designed to compensate its delivery drivers who participate in missions aimed at enriching the company's artificial intelligence and robotic systems. By completing various tasks, such as filming daily activities or recording conversations in a foreign language, drivers can now earn money while contributing to DoorDash's technological development.

In a blog post, DoorDash explained that this data is essential for helping AI and robotic systems better understand the physical world. Compensation for each task is clearly indicated in advance and is calculated based on the effort required and the complexity of the activity.

Using Data for AI

According to Bloomberg, the audio and video recordings provided by drivers will be used to evaluate DoorDash's internal AI models as well as those of its partners across various sectors such as retail, insurance, hospitality, and technology. A concrete example of a task involves asking a driver to film their hands washing at least five plates while wearing a body camera, ensuring each plate remains clean in the frame for a few seconds before moving on to the next.

A Growing Trend Among Delivery Companies

DoorDash is not a pioneer in this approach. In fact, Uber had already announced similar initiatives last year, allowing its drivers to generate extra income by completing small tasks, such as uploading photos to help train AI models.

Integration with the Dasher App

In addition to the standalone Tasks app, DoorDash has integrated new digital tasks into the Dasher app. Among these tasks are missions like helping a restaurant showcase its menu by taking photos of its dishes or photographing the entrance of a hotel to facilitate the drop-off location for drivers. DoorDash has also partnered with Waymo, allowing drivers to earn money by closing the doors of autonomous cars, a task also listed in the app.

A New Opportunity for Dashers

Ethan Beatty, General Manager of DoorDash Tasks, stated in the blog that the goal of this app is to enable more businesses to better understand the landscape and gather new insights, while providing Dashers with a new way to earn money on their own terms. With over 8 million Dashers capable of reaching almost any location in the United States, this initiative represents a significant opportunity to digitize the physical world.

Availability and Future Expansion

Currently, the Tasks app and the integrated tasks in the Dasher app are available in certain regions of the United States, excluding California, New York, Seattle, and Colorado. DoorDash plans to expand the types of tasks available and extend this initiative to other countries in the future.