Dive Brief:
- Uber, Instacart, Target and DoorDash are among 11 partners that will integrate with ChatGPT later this year, according to a Monday announcement by OpenAI, the developer of the AI-powered chatbot.
- The partnerships come on the heels of OpenAI’s introduction of apps that people can “chat” with when using ChatGPT.
- The move is happening a few months after Fidji Simo exited the CEO role at Instacart to become CEO of OpenAI Applications.
Dive Insight:
Grocers are unlocking new opportunities to reach consumers for delivery as ChatGPT aims to connect users of its AI-powered chatbot with service providers.
OpenAI noted that these partnerships make it possible for app developers to reach over 800 million ChatGPT users — a potentially sizeable grocery delivery audience.
In a LinkedIn post, DoorDash said that its partnership with ChatGPT will provide added convenience to consumers. The e-commerce delivery company added in an emailed statement that it would share more information on the collaboration in the near future.
Instacart Chief Technology Officer Anirban Kundu wrote on LinkedIn that partnering with ChatGPT on this capability will “make grocery shopping as simple as having a conversation.” The grocery technology provider and OpenAI have been working together since at least 2023.
“AI is redefining how people interact with their grocery lists, weekly meal planning, and last-minute cravings,” Kundu said, sharing a screenshot of Instacart product recommendations in response to a query in ChatGPT to help shop for Halloween candy.
The Uber and Uber Eats experiences will be available in ChatGPT in a few weeks, allowing people to view ride options and food deliveries, the company said in an emailed statement. ChatGPT will detect when someone wants to place an Uber Eats order, confirm details like their delivery address and display nearby restaurant and menu options in ChatGPT, according to Uber. ChatGPT will then prompt users to launch the Uber Eats app to complete their orders.
“Soon, you’ll be able to see fare ranges, ETAs, and browse restaurants right in ChatGPT before seamlessly finishing your trip or order in the Uber apps. We can’t wait for people to try it and tell us what they think,” Uber Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal said in a statement.
On Monday, OpenAI announced that several apps, including Booking.com, Figma, Expedia and Spotify, are now available for logged-in ChatGPT users in certain geographic areas.
