DoorDash is paying its couriers to complete everyday chores like washing dishes, cooking, and making their beds as part of a new push to train AI systems.
According to Bloomberg, the company launched a new app called “Tasks,” where dashers can record themselves doing real-world activities. These include things like having unscripted conversations in Spanish, cleaning, loading dishwashers, trimming plants, or cooking with basic tools.
The photos and videos collected are used to train and test AI models, as well as tools used by partners across industries like retail, hospitality, insurance, and tech.
DoorDash is also introducing “digital tasks,” such as photographing meals for menus, capturing building entrances for better navigation, and scanning store shelves to track inventory.
The company says the goal is to help businesses better understand real-world environments while giving its network of over 8 million dashers a flexible way to earn beyond deliveries. Payment is offered upfront and varies depending on the complexity of each task.
The program is currently available in select U.S. cities, excluding California, New York City, Seattle, and Colorado.