Uber says outside AI agents arranged just four quarterly rides
Uber has disclosed early transaction counts for outside AI agents: four rides during the third quarter and around 500 Uber Eats orders during Halloween week. Executives say they are open to working with these providers while improving Uber’s own apps. The figures cover different periods and describe a small emerging channel, rather than a long-term forecast of customer demand.
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An early count of agent transactions
Ride-hailing and delivery company Uber has given its first public numbers for transactions arranged by outside AI agents. Executives put Uber Eats orders from these tools at around 500 during Halloween week and disclosed four fulfilled ride transactions. The Verge identifies the ride figure as covering the third quarter. These outside assistants arrange a service on a customer’s behalf, providing another route into Uber alongside its own applications.[1], [2]
Different counting periods
The meal-order total covers a week, while the ride count covers a quarter. They therefore describe activity over different periods and cannot be combined into one adoption rate. Uber’s finance chief Balaji Krishnamurthy described the traction as very early and limited. The new disclosure concerns the use of third-party assistants to place transactions, distinct from people using AI features built into Uber’s own products.[1], [2]
Direct apps and outside providers
Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber hopes to see more traction and is willing to work with third-party providers. At the same time, the company aims to keep its direct services easy and attractive, avoiding reliance on one outside provider. Uber is also developing its own AI experiences. Its existing Uber Eats Cart Assistant can build grocery lists from a recipe photograph or a text request, operating within Uber’s own product.[1]
