Uber Offers Drivers AI Data Labelling Side Hustle to Boost Income
Uber is exploring a new way to support its driver-partners—by giving them the chance to earn extra income through AI data labelling. The company announced a pilot program where drivers can participate in labeling datasets that train Uber’s artificial intelligence systems, turning downtime into a potential side hustle.
Uber’s move into AI data labelling comes as other tech giants are also racing to advance their AI ecosystems. For instance, Alibaba recently unveiled its powerful Wan2.2-S2V AI video model, showcasing progress in multimodal AI. Meanwhile, Apple is experimenting with new AI models to deepen integration across iOS and macOS, and Microsoft has introduced its RStar2 agent to push boundaries in autonomous AI systems. Together, these developments highlight how AI is reshaping industries—from ride-hailing to consumer tech and enterprise automation.
This initiative highlights Uber’s attempt to both strengthen its AI models and create alternative earning opportunities for workers in the gig economy.
Why Uber Is Turning to AI Data Labelling
As Uber scales its autonomous driving technologies and AI-powered logistics systems, high-quality labeled datasets have become essential. Tasks such as identifying objects in traffic footage, annotating delivery routes, or classifying customer queries all require large volumes of human-labeled data.
Instead of outsourcing all this work, Uber is tapping into its global driver network to handle micro-labelling tasks—allowing drivers to participate during idle time between rides or deliveries.
How the Side Hustle Works
- Optional Program: Drivers can sign up voluntarily to perform data-labelling tasks within the Uber app.
- Flexible Tasks: Assignments range from tagging images of road conditions to categorizing text interactions.
- Pay Per Task: Drivers earn extra income based on completed micro-tasks, similar to gig platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk.
- AI Integration: The labeled data directly supports Uber’s self-driving projects, route optimization, and AI-powered customer support.
By embedding this feature into the Uber ecosystem, the company is turning drivers into contributors to its AI pipeline.
Community Reactions
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions:
- Supporters argue it provides drivers with a much-needed secondary income stream, especially during slow work hours.
- Skeptics worry the pay rates for data-labelling may be too low compared to driving income.
- AI enthusiasts see it as a smart way to crowdsource training data while engaging Uber’s workforce.
On social media, some drivers welcomed the idea of “getting paid while waiting for rides,” while others expressed concern that Uber is shifting more cognitive work onto drivers without proper compensation.
Why This Matters
Uber’s move represents a broader convergence of gig work and AI development. By enlisting its driver base in data labelling, Uber is:
- Reducing costs compared to outsourcing annotation to third-party vendors.
- Increasing worker loyalty by offering additional earning opportunities.
- Accelerating the development of self-driving cars and AI logistics systems.
If successful, this could become a model for other gig platforms seeking ways to involve workers in the AI supply chain.
Expert Opinions
- AI Researcher View: “Data labelling is tedious but essential. Uber’s program could democratize participation in AI training.”
- Labor Rights Advocate: “While extra income is good, Uber must ensure pay is fair and not exploitative.”
- Tech Investor Insight: “This move positions Uber as more than a ride-hailing company—it’s a hybrid of mobility and AI.”
What’s Next for Uber?
The pilot program will begin in select U.S. and international cities later this year. If driver adoption proves strong, Uber could expand it worldwide. Longer-term, Uber may integrate data-labelling tasks into its Uber Pro rewards program, incentivizing top drivers with exclusive AI-related earning opportunities.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is Uber’s AI data labelling program?
It’s a side hustle option where Uber drivers can label datasets for AI training, earning extra money during downtime.
Q2: How will drivers access these tasks?
Tasks will be offered inside the Uber driver app, under a new “AI Labelling” section.
Q3: What kind of data will drivers label?
Examples include road images, delivery routes, and customer support conversations.
Q4: How much will drivers get paid?
Uber has not disclosed official rates but says drivers will be compensated per task completed.
Q5: Why is Uber doing this?
To generate high-quality datasets for its autonomous driving and AI logistics projects.
Q6: When does the program launch?
The pilot begins in late 2025 with plans for global expansion in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Uber’s plan to involve drivers in AI data labelling is a bold experiment at the intersection of gig work and artificial intelligence. While it may raise concerns about fair pay, the move could provide valuable side income for drivers while strengthening Uber’s AI ecosystem.
If scaled successfully, Uber might transform its workforce into an AI-trained data army, giving it an edge in the race for autonomous mobility and smart logistics.