Uber engineers built an AI version of their boss

Uber is widely recognized as a leader in ride-hailing and food delivery, but CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sees the company as primarily a vast codebase driven by its talented engineers. In a recent interview on Steven Barlett’s podcast, The Diary of a CEO, Khosrowshahi revealed an intriguing development: some of Uber's engineers have developed a chatbot designed to mimic him. This AI, referred to as 'Dara AI,' is utilized by teams to prepare for meetings with the CEO by simulating his feedback and inquiries. Khosrowshahi explained how this innovative approach works, noting that team members present their ideas and slides to the chatbot as a rehearsal before facing him. He emphasized that by the time proposals reach his desk, they have undergone thorough preparation, and the Dara AI helps refine this process. This creative use of AI is not just a novelty; Khosrowshahi pointed out that approximately 90% of Uber's software engineers are incorporating AI into their daily tasks, with around 30% being 'power users' who are fundamentally reshaping the company’s architecture. The CEO expressed excitement about the transformations occurring within the team, stating that the engineers are not only producing the foundational elements of Uber's systems but are also acting as architects envisioning the future of the company. Khosrowshahi noted that the impact of this AI integration on productivity is unprecedented, calling it a significant change that he has never witnessed before.