Imagine holding socks up to the camera while juggling laundry duties. That's what it takes to contribute to the bleeding edge of technology as a ‘human training data provider’ for DoorDash’s new Tasks app.
The app isn’t about delivering meals; instead, it’s all about collecting video footage of mundane tasks like folding clothes and making eggs to help AI models and robots understand our world better. Pay is upfront but minimal, at best $0.37 per video.
Tasks are categorized into household chores, handiwork projects, cooking food, location navigation, and even language conversations. Some gigs, like the laundry task, require a body mount for your smartphone, turning you into a human robot trainer.
The app is designed to be straightforward, but there’s an unwritten rule of privacy: no filming minors or illegal activities, not to mention getting consent before recording anyone else. That's easier said than done, especially in crowded spaces like parks where people might jog past your filming spot unexpectedly.
While this gig work might seem quaint and low-tech, it signals a future where artificial intelligence and robotics will rely on human data to function. For now, it’s just a chore—loading the washing machine while wondering if your hand movements are teaching robots how to do laundry too.
