Uber's president says aggressive AI spending is becoming harder to justify, signaling a shift toward measured investment

Uber president and COO Andrew MacDonald stated that heavy AI spending is becoming "harder to justify," especially in early stages where rapid moves in AI might come at the expense of ROI (return on investment).

MacDonald noted that it remains difficult to gauge AI benefits even as some underlying metrics trend upward, and clarity on AI payoffs may take "quarters and years" to emerge.

Uber is positioned to pursue a capital-light AI strategy focused on autonomous driving without requiring the aggressive spending other firms are undertaking, allowing it to profit from AI gains once benefits materialize.