> The core issue here is that Tesla is shipping a product called "autopilot", which gives the expectation that it is in fact an autopilot.
An autopilot system is defined as a system that assists, but does not replace, the human operator of a vehicle. Therefore Tesla's system is, in fact, an autopilot.
From wiki:
"An autopilot is a system used to control the trajectory of a vehicle without constant 'hands-on' control by a human operator being required."
That's the clear opposite of what Tesla's manual suggest. If it required hands-on wheel and constant attention, call it what it is -- a driver assistance system, not autopilot.
The actual implementation only requires periodic, not constant, hands-on-wheel. Although it's in the driver's interest to pay attention constantly, as evident from this accident.
An autopilot system is defined as a system that assists, but does not replace, the human operator of a vehicle. Therefore Tesla's system is, in fact, an autopilot.