Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Chief Product Officer (CPO), recently shared his strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into his daily work at the ride-hailing giant. Kansal, who joined Uber eight years ago and became the product chief last year, has been leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini to streamline his workflow and enhance decision-making processes. One of Kansal’s primary uses for AI is to summarize lengthy research reports, which often span 50 to 100 pages. These reports cover various aspects of Uber’s operations across different markets, including South Africa, Brazil, and Korea. By using chatbots, Kansal can quickly get up-to-date on market conditions and rider sentiments without having to invest significant time in reading entire documents. This approach allows him to stay informed and make data-driven decisions more efficiently. Additionally, Kansal treats AI as a research assistant, utilizing large language models’ deep research capabilities. For instance, when his team was considering a new driver feature, Kansal tasked ChatGPT with researching potential driver perspectives on the add-on. The insights provided by the AI were so valuable that they became a crucial starting point for brainstorming sessions. Kansal noted how these AI-driven ideas contributed significantly to his team’s discussions and helped them generate innovative solutions. In a broader context, Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, has emphasized the importance of AI adoption within the company. In April, Khosrowshahi stated that only a fraction of Uber’s approximately 30,000 employees are currently using AI tools. He stressed that learning to work with AI agents for coding and other tasks would soon be mandatory for all employees. Khosrowshahi’s vision aligns with Kansal’s practical applications, signaling a company-wide effort to integrate AI into its operations. Looking ahead, Kansal expressed interest in NotebookLM, a tool developed by Google Labs. NotebookLM is designed to assist with research and note-taking, particularly for handling complex documents. One of its standout features is the ability to generate an audio podcast based on uploaded content, allowing users to digest information through a conversation between two AI-generated voices. Kansal mentioned that several colleagues and industry experts have already found this tool invaluable, and he plans to incorporate it into his workflow soon. Google launched NotebookLM in mid-2023, and it has rapidly gained traction among researchers and AI enthusiasts. Andrej Karpathy, Tesla’s former director of AI and an OpenAI co-founder, has been particularly vocal about the tool’s potential. In a September post on X (formerly Twitter), Karpathy lauded NotebookLM, describing its podcast feature as a novel and compelling format for AI-generated content. He compared it to the early impact of ChatGPT, suggesting that NotebookLM might be pioneering a new era in AI-assisted information consumption. Kansal’s embrace of AI tools reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, where leaders are increasingly recognizing the value of AI in enhancing productivity and decision-making. His specific use cases demonstrate how AI can serve as a powerful ally in managing complex information and fostering innovation. As NotebookLM continues to gain popularity, its potential to revolutionize how professionals interact with data and generate creative outputs is evident. The integration of AI at Uber, spearheaded by Kansal and supported by Khosrowshahi, underscores the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. By equipping employees with AI tools, Uber aims to optimize its operations and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Industry insiders view Kansal’s approach as a practical and forward-thinking strategy. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and NotebookLM are seen as essential for modern workflows, especially in large organizations dealing with vast amounts of data. Kansal’s insights highlight the transformative potential of AI in corporate settings, making it easier for executives to access and analyze critical information. Uber, known for its innovative tech solutions, is well-positioned to benefit from these advancements, driving both efficiency and creativity in its product development.