How much does an AI data annotation service provider cost?
Pricing depends on modality, complexity, and required expertise, but we can anchor budgets with real unit rates. For example: LLM Math/Coding annotation can be $18/hr, STEM Generalist work $12/hr, Dense Captioning $6/hr, Image Editing $8/hr, and Road Lane labeling $3/km. For evaluation, Red Teaming can be $8/eval and Defensive Coding $15/eval. We’ll scope your taxonomy, QA level, and weekly throughput, then provide a transparent estimate tied to acceptance tests and delivery milestones.
How long does it take to start and deliver the first batch?
Most teams can expect a fast kickoff followed by a calibration phase. We typically complete scoping and acceptance tests in Day 0–3, then run a pilot batch and calibration during Week 1–2. Production ramp often starts in Week 2–3 once guidelines, gold tasks, and adjudication rules are stable. Exact timing depends on modality (text vs video vs 3D), the number of classes, and edge-case density, but we plan for predictable, repeatable weekly delivery.
What data types and output formats do you support?
We support text, LLM RLHF, image, video, 3D/4D point cloud, LiDAR + camera fusion, and audio. Outputs are delivered in practical formats for training pipelines—commonly JSONL, CSV/TSV, COCO-style JSON for vision, masks (PNG) for segmentation, timecoded interval exports for video, and 3D JSON schemas with sequence manifests for point clouds. We align the export schema to your ingestion requirements and keep versioned documentation so future batches remain compatible.
How do you ensure annotation accuracy and consistency?
We treat accuracy as a process, not a promise. Programs use calibrated guidelines, training tasks, gold samples, and ongoing spot checks. For difficult or ambiguous items, we escalate to reviewers and run adjudication to resolve disagreements with documented decisions. We also track error categories so we can improve guidance instead of repeatedly “fixing labels.” This reduces drift across weeks of production and supports sustained 99% accuracy targets for teams that need dependable training and evaluation data.
Can you meet enterprise security requirements for sensitive data?
Yes—security is built into how we run programs. We operate with strict NDAs, segregated secure pipelines, and access controls designed for enterprise review. Our compliance posture aligns with SOC 2 and ISO 27001 expectations and supports GDPR and CCPA requirements. We also maintain full IP provenance so you can prove where data came from and how it was handled. If your team requires specific workflow constraints (e.g., restricted roles, isolated projects), we scope them during onboarding.
Do you support multilingual annotation and global coverage?
Yes. Abaka supports multilingual programs through a global workforce across 50+ countries, with language-specialized annotators and reviewers. We can run language-specific guidelines, localized taxonomies, and region-aware edge-case policies. For multilingual datasets, we recommend calibration per language and periodic cross-language QA sampling to maintain consistency. Deliverables include language tags, rater metadata (as permitted), and standardized schemas so your training pipeline can merge multilingual batches without breaking evaluation.
How is Abaka different from other data labeling companies?
Three differences matter for frontier AI teams. First, we combine scalable human operations (1M+ specialized annotators) with Abaka Forge workflows that support automation-assisted checks and audit-ready reporting. Second, we emphasize scholar-network expertise for complex tasks like coding, math, and domain Q&A—not just generic labeling. Third, we never build models that compete with you, and your data is exclusively yours—never repurposed, resold, or shared—making deeper collaboration and security reviews materially easier.
What if we need to change the taxonomy or guidelines mid-project?
Change requests are normal—models evolve and so do labels. We handle updates by versioning guidelines, defining what changes apply to new batches vs backfills, and validating schema compatibility with your ingestion pipeline. When needed, we can run controlled migrations: sample audits, targeted re-labeling, and backfill plans that keep your dataset coherent across time. Weekly reporting includes emerging edge cases and recommended guideline improvements so changes are proactive rather than disruptive.
Can we start with a pilot before committing to a large contract?
Yes. A pilot is the best way to validate quality, throughput, and workflow fit. We typically start with a defined sample size and clear acceptance tests—accuracy targets, QA sampling, and escalation rules. The pilot phase is where we calibrate annotators, refine rubrics, and confirm your output formats. If the pilot meets criteria, we scale into production with minimal transition friction, using the same tooling, guideline versions, and reporting structure.
Who owns the annotated data and can it be reused?
You own your data and your resulting annotations. Abaka does not repurpose, resell, or share customer data, and we do not build models that compete with you. We maintain secure, segregated pipelines and full IP provenance to preserve ownership clarity and reduce legal risk. If you need specific contractual language around exclusivity, retention, deletion timelines, or audit access, we align those requirements during onboarding and ensure the workflow supports them operationally.
What tools do you use for annotation and QA?
We use Abaka Forge—an all-in-one platform for collection, cleaning, annotation, and production workflows across data types (text, RLHF, image, video, and 3D/4D point cloud). Forge supports structured rubrics, reviewer routing, QA sampling, and audit trails. For teams with existing pipelines, we align exports to your schema and can integrate with your storage and workflow requirements. The goal is to reduce tool sprawl while keeping transparency and control over quality.
What is the minimum project size you can support?
We support both targeted pilots and large-scale production. Minimum size depends on modality and setup needs: simpler text classification can start small, while video, 3D, and fusion projects benefit from enough volume to calibrate guidelines and measure agreement reliably. Even for small starts, we still define acceptance tests, QA rules, and output schemas so the work is production-grade. If you share your target modalities, volume, and timeline, we’ll recommend a right-sized pilot that proves value quickly.