Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi on AI, driverless cars, and building an 'everything app'

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi joined Decoder for an annual conversation during Uber’s GO-GET event in New York. This year’s discussion focused on Uber’s transformation into a broader travel and lifestyle platform, the role of AI in reshaping the company, and the future of autonomous vehicles.

Uber’s Shift to an ‘Everything App’

Khosrowshahi highlighted Uber’s expansion beyond ride-hailing, including a new partnership with Expedia to book hotels directly within the Uber app. Additional services, such as in-car coffee and snacks, as well as personal shopping, are also being integrated. Uber now describes itself as an “everything app,” prompting questions about how far this expansion will go.

“We’re thinking about Uber as a much larger platform for travel,” Khosrowshahi said. “The goal is to own more of the user experience, especially as AI companies promise to handle bookings seamlessly.”

He acknowledged the pressure to compete with AI-driven alternatives that claim to automate travel arrangements entirely. “We’re seeing how AI can play a role, but so far, the integrations we’ve tested have been clunky and slower than using the app directly,” he added.

AI’s Role in Uber’s Future

Khosrowshahi also addressed the impact of AI on Uber’s operations, including software development. Uber’s CTO recently revealed that the company had already exhausted its annual AI token budget by early April. This has led to a reevaluation of hiring plans and software team structures as AI tools reshape workflows between product managers, designers, and engineers.

“We’re spending more on tokens than we initially planned,” Khosrowshahi said. “It’s a big bet, and we’re rethinking how we allocate resources as AI changes the dynamics of product development.”

Autonomous Vehicles and the Future of Uber’s Drivers

Uber’s investments in autonomous vehicles remain a key focus, particularly its partnership with Rivian. Khosrowshahi outlined the milestones the company is tracking as the technology evolves, while also addressing concerns about the impact on drivers.

“Autonomous cars are a long-term play,” he said. “We’re investing heavily in Rivian and other partners to ensure the technology is safe and scalable. But we also recognize that drivers are a critical part of our business today—and we’re committed to supporting them during this transition.”

When asked about a future where robots replace human drivers entirely, Khosrowshahi emphasized Uber’s dual approach: advancing autonomous technology while maintaining a strong driver network.

Could AI Replace a CEO?

In a lighter moment, Khosrowshahi joked about the possibility of AI taking over his role. “There’s already a rogue AI Dara inside Uber,” he quipped. “But for now, I’m still the CEO—and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

He stressed that while AI can handle certain tasks, human judgment and leadership remain irreplaceable in strategic decision-making.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

• Uber’s expansion: Hotels, personal shopping, and AI-driven services are now part of the Uber app.
• AI challenges: Current AI integrations are slower and less efficient than direct app usage.
• Autonomous vehicles: Uber is investing in Rivian and other partners to advance driverless technology.
• AI’s impact on hiring: Uber burned through its annual AI token budget by April, forcing a reevaluation of team structures.
• Future of drivers: Uber is committed to supporting drivers as autonomous technology develops.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.