What is RPA (robotic process automation)?

RPA, robotic process automation, is software that repeats recorded steps in a user interface, such as clicking, copying and pasting between systems. It is fast and predictable on stable screens and clean data, but brittle when layouts or inputs change. AI agents handle the varied input; RPA can still run the fixed steps.

Example

A bot types approved invoice totals into a legacy accounting screen that has no API, after an AI agent has read and checked the invoice.

In one line

Robotic process automation: software that repeats recorded user interface steps. Fast and deterministic, but brittle when screens or inputs change.

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Related terms

AI agentSoftware that takes a goal, decides the steps to reach it and uses tools to act, instead of following a fixed script.
AutomationRunning a process without manual effort. Traditional automation follows rules; AI automation adds a reasoning step for messy input.

All glossary terms

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