Uber wants to identify drunk passengers using AI tool and locals chime in

If you’ve ever shared an Uber with an intoxicated stranger you know it is not a pretty sight.

As of now, there is not much that drivers and carpoolers can do about it. Except maybe charge that rider a couple extra dollars but artificial intelligence could be a solution.

Uber has drawn a plan for artificial intelligence that could detect a user’s drunken behavior in order to decide whether or not they want the passenger to join the backseat of their vehicle.

The way they would distinguish someone’s behavior is simple, it would identify how a person uses the app, it could be based on how quickly they type, the typos, how promptly they click on buttons, their walking speed and the way they hold their phone. Factors like these are plugged into Uber’s planned algorithm.

Some local Uber drivers believe that their job is to drive around those who request them.

Uber’s idea could present some risk for riders, for instance, how uncommon the AI assumes the rider is will determine what their ride looks like.

Plus, depending on their sobriety levels a passenger may only match with drivers who are trained or experienced to handle people in that state.

As of now, this is just a patent application in the works and If it does come about then Uber would of course address these issues.