Uber Technologies Inc. has completed the acquisition of Segments.ai, a Belgian data-labeling startup, in a strategic move to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) operations and reinforce its presence in the fast-evolving data annotation industry. The acquisition marks an important step for Uber as it continues to develop and commercialize advanced AI tools through its Uber AI Solutions division.
A Strategic Leap Into Data Annotation
Uber’s decision to acquire Segments.ai underscores the growing importance of high-quality training data in developing autonomous technologies and other AI-driven solutions. For nearly ten years, Uber’s internal AI Solutions team has been refining its capabilities in large-scale data annotation, supporting advancements in autonomy, mapping, and safety technologies.
By integrating Segments.ai’s platform and expertise, Uber plans to “double down” on lidar and multi-sensor data annotation, areas crucial for self-driving vehicles and robotics. The company aims to expand its services beyond internal use, offering comprehensive data-labeling solutions to clients across various industries worldwide.
Segments.ai, a Y Combinator-backed company, has built a strong reputation for its expertise in labeling complex datasets from cameras, radar, and lidar sensors—data that fuels the development of AI models for autonomous systems. The startup has also been recognized for its financial stability, having achieved cash-flow positive status prior to the acquisition.
Integration of Expertise and Talent
Under the terms of the deal, Segments.ai’s founders Bert De Brabandere and Otto Debals, along with their entire team, will join Uber’s AI Solutions unit. Uber expressed enthusiasm about bringing the team on board, highlighting their deep domain expertise and proven track record in lidar annotation and 3D perception tools.
The integration is expected to not only enhance Uber’s technical capabilities but also bring in an existing client network, enabling Uber to scale its AI labeling services more rapidly. This acquisition strengthens Uber’s internal resources while positioning it as a key player in the global data annotation and AI training market.
Positioning for Market Leadership
The AI data-labeling industry has become increasingly competitive, with companies such as Scale AI securing major investments and government contracts. By acquiring Segments.ai, Uber is signaling its ambition to compete head-to-head with established players and to carve out a stronger position in this rapidly growing field.
Although Uber declined to disclose the financial terms of the transaction, analysts note that the move reflects a broader strategy by the company to diversify its AI portfolio beyond ride-hailing and delivery. With Segments.ai’s technology and expertise now in-house, Uber is better equipped to offer state-of-the-art annotation services, supporting both its own autonomous vehicle research and external partners seeking reliable AI training data.
As the demand for high-quality labeled data continues to surge, Uber’s acquisition of Segments.ai represents a forward-looking investment in the infrastructure needed to power next-generation AI systems — from self-driving cars to intelligent logistics solutions.
