Autonomics refer to the ability of computer systems to be self-managing. 
The concept is derived from the human body's Autonomic Nervous System (ANS),
which enables us to maintain a state of 'normality' and affords us the 
ability to focus on conducting our lives.  The ANS functions in an involuntary, 
reflexive manner.

An autonomic computing system controls the functioning of computer applications 
and systems without input from the user, as seen in the body's ANS.  The goal of 
autonomic computing is to create systems that are self-managing, self-healing, 
and self-protecting.

Autonomic computing promises to reduce expenditures associated with operations, 
maintenance and support.  IBM Research | Autonomic Computing

Furthermore, autonomic computing significantly improves the end user's 
computing experience.

IBM Tivoli Intelligent Orchestrator & IBM Tivoli Provisioning Manager thoughts