Almost nobody uses AI agents to order food or rides on apps like Uber (www.businessinsider.com)

AI agents designed for ordering food and rides are seeing minimal adoption, even as companies like Uber and DoorDash explore their potential. During recent earnings calls, Uber reported that just 500 of the 320 million rides and meals completed in one week came through AI agents, marking a stark contrast to traditional ordering methods. DoorDash echoed similar sentiments, revealing it has processed only several hundred AI agent orders amid billions delivered annually. Both companies acknowledge that the technology is still in its infancy, with Uber’s CFO describing the traction as "very limited." This limited usage highlights the cautious approach consumers are taking towards AI agents, often stemming from concerns over ordering errors and security issues, such as unauthorized credit card use. However, despite the low numbers, Uber and DoorDash remain committed to integrating AI tools into their apps, with DoorDash testing a text-to-order feature that allows users to bypass the app altogether. This ongoing investment reflects a belief in the transformative potential of AI in the gig economy, even as broader acceptance remains a challenge for the time being.