autopilot

Etymology

auto- + pilot

noun

1. (aviation, nautical) A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being.
   I set the autopilot to due south, so I could get some rest.
2. (by extension, figurative) A state of mind where one no longer thinks about doing one's actions, but acts mechanically
   I've been doing this 12 hours non-stop, and am so hungry and tired that I've stopped thinking: I'm now on autopilot.

verb

1. (intransitive, of a vehicle) To pilot itself; to drive or travel automatically.