Flying is largely a matter of exercising good judgment, and that critical job still resides in the pilot's seat. VFR versus IFR Civilian helicopter autopilots typically have been derivatives of airplane autopilot systems. One of the more common early autopilots to make the transition from airplane to helicopter was the Collins 841. In the late 1970s, the Model 841 was redesignated the 841H when modified for helicopters. Some were even certified for single-pilot IFR flight.
Autopilots provide ample challenges for avionics and electronics manufacturers.
A high market demand allows the manufacturer to amortize those costs over a longer production run, thereby bringing down prices. If the unit price is set too high, then demand, regardless of the need, is likely to evaporate. There is a considerable certification effort and expense difference between FAA approval for VFR autopilots and IFR autopilots. Pilot workload becomes an even more critical issue if the manufacturer is attempting to obtain single-pilot IFR certification. Flying this autopilot-equipped 1980 JetRanger convinced me of the functional value and safety of helicopter autopilots for both VFR and IFR flight.