AI glossary · Agents and automation
Robotic process automation (RPA)
Robotic process automation (RPA) is software that copies the clicks and keystrokes a person makes to complete repetitive computer tasks.
In more detail
Despite the name, there are no physical robots. RPA “bots” follow a recorded set of steps, such as copying data from one system into another.
RPA is reliable for fixed processes but breaks when screens change. Combining it with AI, or replacing it with computer use agents, lets automation cope with more variety.
Related terms
AI automationAI automation uses AI to handle repetitive work automatically, such as sorting emails, extracting data from documents or drafting replies.Computer useComputer use is when an AI agent operates a computer or web browser like a person does: looking at the screen, clicking, typing and scrolling.Rule-based AIRule-based AI makes decisions by following “if this, then that” rules written by people, rather than learning patterns from data.
Browse related tools
AI tools listed on BroUseAI in these categories.
