DoorDash Introduces 'Tasks' App for Couriers to Train AI Systems

DoorDash has unveiled a new, standalone "Tasks" app aimed at allowing delivery couriers an opportunity to earn extra money by participating in assignments that bolster AI and robotic systems. Key Details:

• The "Tasks" app enables couriers to engage in various activities, such as recording themselves speaking different languages or filming routine tasks. These efforts are compensated based on the complexity and effort involved.
• The collected data assists AI and robotic models in comprehending the physical world more accurately.
• According to a report by Bloomberg, the recorded footage will support both DoorDash's internal AI models and those of its partners across retail, insurance, hospitality, and tech industries.
• Example Tasks: Capturing video footage of washing dishes or taking photos for restaurants and hotels via the Dasher app.
• A partnership with Waymo offers couriers tasks like shutting the doors of self-driving cars.
• Ethan Beatty, DoorDash Tasks General Manager, highlights the initiative as a way to empower couriers with flexible earning options while digitizing physical experiences.
• Initially restricted to select areas in the U.S. (not including California, NYC, Seattle, and Colorado), DoorDash plans future expansions into more tasks and countries.
• This initiative follows a similar move by Uber, which offered its drivers small jobs for additional income last year.