[daveswilson]

Goodness gracious doesn't anyone in the auto industry ever even look at how the word "autopilot" has been used in the aviation and marine industries? It has _never_ meant that the vehicle operator gets to abandon their responsibilities.

However I agree that the mixed messaging is sad and irresponsible, and this article's author could have been more circumspect.

[loudmax]

How the term "autopilot" is used by professionals in the aviation and marine industries isn't the main point here. What matters is what non-professionals think when they hear the term "autopilot". If you market something as "autopilot" don't be surprised that general consumers don't have the same nuanced understanding of the term as professional pilots.

[bonestamp2]

You're right, but pilots are highly trained and must maintain their training/skills. On the other hand, it's possible to get a driver's license without any formal training (in many Western countries at least) and then buy a "self driving" car without any training on how to use it.

Because of that divide, I think there should at least be an online training curriculum and test before your car will unlock autopilot mode.

[brianwawok]

Right, and this is what Tesla autopilot is. Tesla no attention dream they want to someday roll out is under FSD (full self driving).