Comment by ssl-3
1 month ago
In this context, I think I prefer to use this definition from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary: "(of a vehicle) that has the technology to drive itself without a person in control"
I think it fits the state of affairs well-enough.
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/eng...
That is a sad state of affairs, I hope it does not make it into the printed edition.
The same applies to "autonomous drones", which are the most remote assisted machines imaginable.
But of course the advertising departments want to evoke an image of the Marlboro man saddling his horse rather than a GPS tracked, surveillance riddled, face scanning, remote assisted contraption.
English is flexible. It changes, and it evolves. It was not the same yesterday as it is today, and it will not be the same tomorrow.
It will certainly be a thing if you ever decide to update the print library that you elect to expose yourself to something recent.
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It may be appropriate to have medical professionals like paramedics (with transport units) standing by at that time.
There's no telling how you might react, and I myself really very strongly prefer for all people to be safe.