Uber Technologies Inc. is entering the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by integrating a chatbot into its mobile application. This action is consistent with numerous businesses adopting language tools to improve customer service, marketing, and automated tasks.
Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, confirmed the ongoing development of an AI-powered chatbot during an interview on the Bloomberg Technology Show. While he did not reveal specific information about the chatbot’s capabilities, he emphasised that Uber already employs AI in its operations. The company has a long history of employing machine learning and artificial intelligence systems, as evidenced by the algorithms that match users with cars or couriers based on factors such as time of day and distance.
DoorDash Inc. and Instacart Inc., two of Uber’s delivery competitors, are also investing in chatbot technology. DoorDash is developing DashAI, a system that will streamline the ordering process and help customers discover food options on the app. Similarly, Instacart recently introduced a feature called “Ask Instacart,” powered by the API of OpenAI Inc., that enables customers to ask questions about food preparation.
Despite Uber’s achievement of its first-ever operating profit, the company’s revenue fell short of analyst estimates, and its growth rate slowed, resulting in a 6% decline in its share price.
As Uber advances its AI efforts with the development of chatbots, it aims to leverage the technology to improve user experiences and remain competitive in the dynamic on-demand services landscape.
