DoorDash Launches Tasks App Paying Dashers to Train AI Systems via Real World Video Data

DoorDash is expanding its business model beyond food delivery with the official launch of DoorDash Tasks. This new initiative allows the company’s 8 million Dashers to earn money by completing micro-assignments like photographing restaurant menus or verifying store inventory. By formalizing this program, the delivery giant is effectively turning its massive workforce into a distributed network for real-world data collection as described in their latest announcement at https://about.doordash.com/en-us/news/introducing-doordash-tasks.

Training the Next Generation of AI

A key component of this launch is a pilot standalone app designed specifically for training artificial intelligence and robotics. Within this platform, couriers are paid to record themselves performing everyday activities such as folding laundry or preparing food. These video datasets provide the essential ground truth needed for machine learning models to understand human movement and physical environments. The data helps AI systems better navigate and interact with the physical world in ways that traditional digital data cannot.

Support for Autonomous Systems

Beyond household chores, the Tasks program is being used to bridge the gap between autonomous technology and the physical world. For example, Dashers in certain markets are paid to assist Waymo self-driving vehicles by closing doors left open by passengers. This integration allows autonomous fleets to operate more efficiently while providing workers with a way to monetize their time between traditional delivery runs. This represents a unique intersection of human labor supporting automated infrastructure.

"The goal of Tasks is to help more businesses understand what’s actually happening on the ground and gather new insights, all while giving Dashers a new way to earn on their own terms," said Ethan Beatty, General Manager of DoorDash Tasks.

Geographic Availability and Pay

The program is currently available in select areas of the United States, though it excludes several high-regulation regions. Locations such as California, New York City, Seattle, and Colorado are not yet eligible for the program. Pay for these tasks is shown upfront and varies based on the complexity and effort required for each specific assignment. DoorDash plans to expand into more task types and additional countries as the program matures.