Autonomous aircraft very likely exist as I type this tombot, the real issue is getting passengers to board a pilotless aircraft....would you today, with what you know?

As it stands right now, pilots are merely in cockpits to program the flight management systems and make sure they do what they are told to do....the autopilot for most flights is on for 99% of the flight time. Yes, they are also there to make important decisions if something goes seriously wrong (which rarely happens), and to fly when the autopilot fails (somewhat more often), but the phase out has begun, rest assured.

If you can believe Ben Rich, who succeeded Kelly Johnson at Lockheeds' Skunkworks, the technology available (to the military) today is at least 30 years in front of what we actually see flying around now.

Yes, I think sensors, computers and AI will continue to improve and eventually, as generations pass, people will become more accustomed to the idea of getting in a driverless vehicle, be it ground based or otherwise....we're not there yet, comfort level-wise, but getting closer, and the technology is nearly ready for the masses.