Many experts predict that full autonomy for weapons could be achieved in 20 to 30 years, and some think even sooner.

FORBES: Human Rights Group Advocates Ban on 'Killer Robots'

Georgia recently offered Abkhazia a deal that included full autonomy, a veto on legislation and constitutional changes and a guaranteed position as vice-president.

ECONOMIST: Tension grows over Abkhazia

Research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates Scotland and Indonesia are alone in giving schools full autonomy over the curriculum.

BBC: A year in Scotland's education

He has pushed through constitutional changes to secure much, albeit not full, autonomy for the all-Panamanian board that will run the canal.

ECONOMIST: The canal and the president

When Ms Davidson launched her successful campaign for the Scottish Conservative leadership in 2011, the Glasgow MSP described proposals on new Holyrood financial powers - which have since been agreed - as "a line in the sand", and strongly opposed calls for full fiscal autonomy.

BBC: Ruth Davidson supports more Holyrood financial powers

The treaty gives Mindanao's Muslims less than the full independence they wanted but substantial autonomy nonetheless.

CNN: A Warrior Comes in From the Cold

Indeed, there are at least three upstarts, TVEyes , BBN and Autonomy (via Blinkx ) that already offer full text audio-search services.

FORBES: co-founder Sergey Brin

He has hinted that he wants to give the NHS more local autonomy - albeit apparently falling short of suggestions he wanted to give it full independence from government.

BBC: Analysis