DoorDash just launched a new app called Tasks that pays delivery drivers to create videos for artificial intelligence training. Instead of delivering food, drivers can earn money by filming themselves doing everyday activities or speaking in different languages.
This is DoorDash’s clever solution to two problems at once. The company needs tons of video data to train their AI systems, and their drivers want more ways to make money when deliveries are slow. It’s like getting paid to be in a very boring reality show.
Getting Paid to Act Normal
The Tasks app asks drivers to do surprisingly mundane things on camera. They might film themselves walking up stairs, opening doors, or having conversations in Spanish or Mandarin. Each completed task pays a small fee, though DoorDash hasn’t revealed exactly how much.
This data helps train AI to understand human movement and speech patterns. For DoorDash, this could improve their delivery robots or help create better voice recognition for their app. The company joins other tech giants like Google and Amazon who pay people to create training data for their AI systems.
DoorDash says the app gives their “Dashers” more flexibility to earn money during downtime. Instead of waiting around for the next delivery order, they can pick up quick video tasks between runs.
What’s Next
The Tasks app is starting small with select drivers in certain cities. If successful, expect other gig economy companies to copy this model. Your Uber driver might soon ask if you want to help train AI for extra cash.