Key Points:
- AI-Powered Gig Work: Uber Launch Data Task lets drivers earn by training AI—labeling images, classifying text, and more.
- India & U.S. Rollout Live in 12 Indian cities and parts of the U.S., offering flexible income beyond rides.
- In-App Simplicity Drivers complete tasks in the Uber app—fast, accurate, and profitable.
Uber has announced a new initiative—Uber Launch Data Task—allowing its U.S. drivers and couriers to earn money through digital gig tasks on the Uber app when they are not actively transporting passengers or deliveries. The company revealed the plan during its “Only on Uber 2025” conference on Thursday.
New Earning Model for Idle Hours
According to Uber, the pilot program developed by its AI Solutions Group will enable drivers to take on small, online-based jobs such as uploading photos to help train AI models. This feature is already being tested in India and will soon expand to U.S. markets.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the new earning option reflects the company’s goal of helping drivers maximize their income opportunities. The initiative was shaped by insights gathered through more than 60 Crew sessions involving over 100 Uber team members and extensive driver feedback.
Uber spokesperson Meghan Casserly added that other available tasks under the Uber Launch Data Task initiative may include recording speech samples in different languages or accents, following specific prompts. These projects are designed to support AI development and are not connected to Uber’s autonomous vehicle partnerships or driverless technology efforts.
Pay and Task Structure
Compensation for these tasks will depend on complexity and completion time. Drivers will be able to view their potential earnings before accepting a job, giving them transparency and control over their workload.
The approach mirrors the flexible model of platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk and Upwork, which allow freelancers to complete microtasks for global clients. Uber did not disclose the specific organizations or industries commissioning these AI-related tasks, citing confidentiality agreements.
Additional Platform Updates
Alongside the Uber Launch Data Task initiative, Uber also announced the official U.S. expansion of its women rider preference program, which allows women drivers to match exclusively with women riders. Initially launched in July, this feature will now be available in Baltimore, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), and Washington, D.C.
Khosrowshahi said that the feature has been widely adopted in global markets, noting that it has already been used in over 100 million trips worldwide. The company aims to increase comfort and safety for women drivers while expanding their participation in the platform.
Uber is also introducing a rider rating filter, enabling drivers to set a minimum passenger rating threshold. This allows them to avoid being matched with riders who fall below their preferred rating level. The feature can be adjusted by time of day, giving drivers more flexibility in managing ride quality.
New Driver-Focused Incentives
To further support drivers, Uber is rolling out a delayed ride guarantee, ensuring additional pay for trips that take five minutes or more beyond the estimated duration. Casserly noted that, in some cases, costs could be passed on to riders, depending on the reason for the delay, such as added stops or unexpected traffic.
The announcements collectively reflect Uber’s strategy to diversify driver income, improve operational efficiency, and enhance driver satisfaction. Through initiatives like Uber Launch Data Task, which introduces new digital earning opportunities and rider preference tools, Uber aims to strengthen its position in the gig economy while adapting to the growing influence of AI-driven work models.
