What is robotic process automation (RPA)?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is software designed to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks by mimicking human interactions with computer interfaces, particularly in legacy systems lacking APIs. It operates by recording user actions, such as mouse clicks and keystrokes, and playing them back through a script, allowing automation of tasks like data entry, form filling, and report extraction. While RPA can automate desktop applications and systems without an API, it is limited by its dependency on UI stability, high maintenance costs, and lack of decision-making capabilities, making it less scalable compared to API-based or AI-native automation. The distinction between RPA and AI automation lies in their functionality; RPA strictly follows predefined scripts, whereas AI automation can interpret data and make decisions. As organizations increasingly migrate to API-based and AI-native solutions for enhanced reliability and flexibility, RPA remains relevant for certain legacy systems and environments.

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