Never.
There will be more and more automation, replacing human handling skills. Yes, perhaps a ditching flare mode one day.
But never a reliable system that can take decision and prioritize, adapt and reevaluate in the real time.
Automated yes, autonomous never.
Liveware will stay for two reasons:
- backup and takeover from the automation, beyond its programmed scope
- public perception, marketing
The second will be the more important, especially as various dirty games about autonomous vehicles will come to light.