Why don't more helicopters have autopilot?

I know nothing about the mechanics, physics, or aerodynamics of helicopters but a chopper pilot’s mother once described that flying one is like balancing one bowling ball on top of another. Hard to know what this means exactly but this description conveys the level of complexity and the two-hand, two-feet, moment-to-moment coordination required to fly a chopper. In contrast, planes do a good deal of gliding and are, in general, less complex machines. But you’re right in that this ultimately comes down to money as I’m sure autopilot is a possibility.

A possibility in more helicopters, that is.

Aeroplanes only use autopilot well after they have taken off or well before they are going to land (so they only have to go in a straight line). Helicopters don’t fly long distances like aeroplanes do, and they are generally used in places an aeroplane’s autopilot wouldn’t be used anyway. An aeroplane’s autopilot is only for going in a direct line over a long distance, which isn’t useful for helicopters.