au·to·pi·lot
 /ˈɑːtoʊˌpaılət/  noun  ,  pl   -lots
  : a device that steers a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft in place of a person
   [  count  ] an airplane equipped with an autopilot
   [  noncount  ] The plane was flying on autopilot.
   ◇ The phrase on autopilot is often used figuratively to describe a person who is doing something in a mechanical way without really thinking about it.
    She performed her chores on autopilot.
    He did his job as though he were on autopilot.
    — called also automatic pilot