autonomous
adj.adj. able to work, act, or govern itself without being controlled by something else. You use this to describe people, groups, or machines that make their own decisions.
adj. acting independently or having the freedom to do so; self-governing. Often used to describe political entities, professional bodies, or self-operating technology.
The car has an autonomous driving mode.
The university's research departments are largely autonomous, allowing them to manage their own budgets and hiring processes.
While the regional government remains part of the federation, it has become increasingly autonomous in its handling of environmental policy and local taxation.
From autonomy + -ous.
Typically used to modify nouns related to systems, vehicles, or administrative bodies.