Looks like data is being collected and probably used in learning algorithms even when the auto-pilot is switched off..
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The 1.3 billion miles of data Tesla said it has collected represents those covered by its vehicles even when Autopilot isn’t switched on—it operates in “shadow mode,” with sensors tracking real-world data when it’s off.
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Would it really be that difficult for incumbent car manufacturers to also collect data in "shadow mode" if they so desired?
In theory, no, but is there a competitor with a similar array of sensors and data sources in their cars? It's a tremendous head start. It's going to get interesting :)