There was an automatic pilot function driven by either gyrocompass or magnetic compass as the input heading source.
en.wikipedia.org These included cast iron, the ploughshare, the stirrup, gunpowder, printing, the magnetic compass and clockwork escapements, most of which were thought at the time to be western inventions.
en.wikipedia.org The nature of the instrument and the alignment of the magnetic pole of the earth cause the magnetic compass to have several significant limitations when used for navigation.
en.wikipedia.org In addition to the three instruments already used, students were taught to use two gyro instruments, the magnetic compass, the rate-of-climb indicator, and the clock.
en.wikipedia.org The instrument panel is fitted with an airspeed indicator, altimeter and vertical speed indicator, a magnetic compass, turn indicator, ignition switch and fuel pump.
en.wikipedia.org