[na85]

It's called "Autosteer". That's misleading to non techies who don't have a firm grasp on the limitations of the tech.

They should be legally required to call it something like "lane assist".

[bazooka2th]

You're right, 'lane assist' is probably more appropriate. However, it's not 'autobrake' or 'auto-no-crash', the feature is actually called 'autopilot'. (why does that article say 'autosteer')

An autopilot maintains heading, and that's all. Many sailors are not techies --- an autopilot on a boat will run you right into an obstacle.

[ceejayoz]

> An autopilot maintains heading, and that's all.

Aircraft autopilots can follow a flight plan, maintain an altitude or rate of climb/descent, do an instrument approach, and (using ADS-B) perform an automated avoidance maneuver when another aircraft is too close.

[mikeash]

Some of them can. Others are no more than a gyroscope linked to the rudder.

[ceejayoz]

Sure, but that's like pointing out that Toyota Corollas exist.

[mikeash]

In the context of a conversation where people say “car” implies something capable of 200MPH, that would be worth pointing out.

[annerajb]

I need to stop being poor and fly a citation. Closest I seen Garmin 430 do is flight path using waypoint.

[mikeash]

It says “autosteer” because that’s the name of one of the components. Tesla’s Autopilot is autosteer, traffic-aware cruise control, and some safety features like automatic emergency braking.