RPA (Robotic Process Automation)
Robotic Process Automation
A technology where software automatically performs simple, repetitive office tasks on a computer in place of a person.
In Simple Terms
RPA lets software carry out a fixed set of steps on a computer instead of a person doing it. For example, it can automate a task like collecting data from a website at the same time every day and copying it into a spreadsheet. Once it has learned the steps, it can work more accurately and quickly than a human, so it's widely used in office settings at many companies.
Behind the Name
RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation — a combination of three words: Robotic, Process, and Automation. Here, "robotic" doesn't mean a physical machine you can see. It refers to software that repeats a fixed set of actions inside a computer.
Take a Closer Look!
RPA is software that automates routine office tasks performed on a computer.
Think of it as having "an assistant living inside your computer" who operates the computer in place of a person.
It can record a sequence of actions, like mouse clicks and text entry, in advance and then faithfully repeat those steps.
It's often used for tasks that people used to do by hand, such as entering large volumes of data, creating invoices, and checking information.
Unlike a human, it can work around the clock without breaks, and it never loses focus or makes input mistakes — that's one of its key strengths.
Some tools let you teach the steps just by arranging blocks on screen, so you can use them without any programming knowledge.
That said, while RPA is good at following fixed rules, it can't judge a situation on its own or think flexibly.
If an unusual error screen appears partway through a task, or the location of an input field changes, it can end up getting stuck.
By combining RPA with AI, efforts are also underway to handle tasks that require more complex judgment.