Uber for AI labeling

Uber Expands into AI Labeling Business Using Gig Workers

Uber is using gig workers to get into the AI labeling business, Bloomberg reports. It’s a sign that the ridehail and delivery company is interested in expanding its independent contractor-powered business model to meet the demands of the fast-growing world of machine learning and large-language models.

The New “Scaled Solutions” Division

The company’s new “Scaled Solutions” division claims it can connect businesses to “nuanced analysts, testers, and independent data operators” using its platform. It’s an extension of an internal team with members based in the US and India that do new feature testing and other tasks like converting restaurant menus to Uber Eats selections.

Uber’s Entry into AI Model Training

Uber was already using artificial intelligence and machine learning for its own business and is now making that available to others for a fee. The company is hiring gig workers for data labeling, testing, and localization for other companies, including Aurora, Luma AI, and Niantic.

The Human Side of AI Model Training

AI model training requires many human workers to do tedious tasks

A big behind-the-scenes reality of AI model training is that it requires many human workers to do tedious tasks such as selecting the most human-sounding chatbot results or labeling obstacles like pedestrians in self-driving car footage frame-by-frame.

Companies building AI models often hire workers in developing countries to do these tasks and pay small amounts per exercise. One engineer in India told Bloomberg they were tasked with comparing and rating the correctness of AI-generated responses to complex coding problems, and were paid 200 rupees per set, or about $2.37.

Gig Workers Sign Up for AI Labeling Tasks

Uber is currently signing up people from Canada, India, Poland, Nicaragua, and the US, paying different amounts per completed task with earnings issued to workers monthly. It’s also looking for people with different cultural backgrounds to help make AI more adaptable in various markets.

Conclusion

Uber’s expansion into the AI labeling business using gig workers is a significant development in the field of artificial intelligence. As AI models become increasingly sophisticated, the need for human workers to label and test them is growing. With its new “Scaled Solutions” division, Uber is poised to capitalize on this trend and provide a valuable service to companies building AI models.

FAQs

Q: What is Uber’s new “Scaled Solutions” division?
A: Uber’s “Scaled Solutions” division is a new division that connects businesses to “nuanced analysts, testers, and independent data operators” using its platform.

Q: What kind of tasks will gig workers be doing for Uber?
A: Gig workers will be doing data labeling, testing, and localization tasks for other companies, including Aurora, Luma AI, and Niantic.

Q: How much will gig workers be paid?
A: The amount paid to gig workers will vary depending on the task and the worker’s location.

Q: Who can sign up for AI labeling tasks with Uber?
A: Anyone from Canada, India, Poland, Nicaragua, and the US can sign up for AI labeling tasks with Uber.