Uber Technologies Inc. is known for revolutionizing the transportation industry with its rideshare services, but now the company is expanding its reach into a new market: artificial intelligence development. In a move that has not been previously reported, Uber is launching a new division called Scaled Solutions, which will focus on providing AI training and data labeling services to other businesses.
The Scaled Solutions division builds on Uber’s internal team that handles large-scale annotation tasks for its rideshare, food delivery, and freight units. This team has now expanded its services to include other companies in need of high-quality datasets for their AI models. Clients such as Aurora Innovation Inc. and Niantic Inc. have already signed on to utilize Uber’s data labeling services.
The decision to enter the AI data labeling market could prove to be a lucrative move for Uber, as global companies increasingly rely on humans to vet data for training AI models. Companies like Scale AI Inc., which offer similar services, are valued at billions of dollars, highlighting the potential growth in this sector.
Uber’s experience in recruiting and managing contractors, such as drivers and couriers, positions the company well to handle the task of sourcing skilled workers for data labeling projects. To support this new venture, Uber has begun signing up contractors with various skills in countries like India, the US, Canada, Poland, and Nicaragua. These contractors will be paid based on the tasks they complete, providing them with flexible work opportunities.
In addition to recruiting contractors, Uber is also hiring account executives in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago to manage relationships with enterprise customers utilizing Scaled Solutions’ services. This strategic approach demonstrates Uber’s commitment to providing top-notch services to its clients in the AI development space.
Uber’s internal Scaled Solutions team, which is based in the US and India, has already been instrumental in tasks like validating maps, localizing products, and testing new features. The team’s expertise in these areas has proven valuable to companies like Aurora and Niantic, who rely on accurate data labeling for their AI projects.
Looking ahead, Uber plans to leverage its contractors’ cultural and programming knowledge to adapt products for local markets and provide feedback on AI chatbots. By tapping into a diverse pool of talent, Uber aims to deliver customized solutions to its clients and stay ahead in the competitive AI development market.
While the exact details of Uber’s revenue and pricing structure for Scaled Solutions remain undisclosed, the company’s foray into AI data labeling signifies a new chapter in its evolution as a tech giant. With a focus on quality, flexibility, and innovation, Uber is poised to make a significant impact in the AI development landscape.
