Employees at the global ride-hailing and delivery company Uber have developed an artificial intelligence chatbot modeled after their chief executive. The tool is being used internally by staff to rehearse and refine business presentations before delivering them to senior leadership.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi disclosed the project’s existence, stating that the company’s workforce has fully embraced artificial intelligence technologies. He revealed that engineers constructed a digital version of him to aid in preparation for high-stakes meetings.
Internal Tool for Employee Development
The AI chatbot functions as a simulation tool, allowing employees to practice their pitches and receive simulated feedback. This application of generative AI is part of a broader internal initiative to leverage machine learning for operational efficiency and employee skill development. The technology is understood to analyze language patterns and responses based on the CEO’s known communication style.
Company representatives have characterized the project as an experimental use of AI aimed at improving internal communication and preparedness. It is not a customer-facing product and remains confined to specific internal use cases. The development underscores a growing corporate trend of implementing bespoke AI solutions for training and workflow optimization.
Corporate AI Adoption Strategy
Uber’s foray into creating an executive AI avatar aligns with its stated corporate strategy to integrate artificial intelligence across its operations. The company has previously discussed using AI and machine learning for route optimization, pricing models, and safety features on its platform. This internal tool represents a newer frontier in applying the technology to human resources and professional development functions.
The creation of such a digital replica raises standard questions within the technology sector regarding digital ethics, data usage, and consent. Uber has not publicly detailed the specific data sources used to train the chatbot model or the security protocols governing its use. These are common considerations for enterprises deploying similar generative AI tools that mimic real individuals.
Industry Context and Reactions
The development occurs amidst rapid proliferation of generative AI tools in the workplace. Many large technology firms are investing heavily in both off-the-shelf and proprietary AI systems to enhance productivity. An AI version of a senior executive for training purposes, however, is a less commonly reported application, highlighting innovative internal uses of the technology beyond public features.
Industry analysts note that such tools could potentially reduce anxiety around presentations to senior management by providing a low-risk practice environment. The focus remains on practical application rather than replacing human interaction, serving as a preparatory aid for employees. The move is seen as part of a competitive effort to attract and retain tech talent by working on cutting-edge projects.
Looking ahead, the evolution and potential scaling of such internal AI tools will likely be monitored. The company may evaluate the chatbot’s impact on presentation quality and employee confidence before considering any expansion of the concept to other executives or departments. Future developments will depend on internal feedback, technological refinements, and the ongoing assessment of the tool’s utility within Uber’s corporate culture.
Source: GeekWire
