What does "robotic process automation" (RPA) refer to?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) refers to a technology that automates repetitive, rule-based tasks typically carried out by humans. The primary function of RPA is to create software robots, or "bots," that can mimic human actions to execute a variety of tasks, such as data entry, processing transactions, and handling queries across applications. By using RPA, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate human errors associated with repetitive tasks.

RPA is particularly valuable in operational scenarios where high volumes of repetitive tasks are present, allowing human employees to focus on more complex, strategic work that requires cognitive abilities and creative problem-solving skills. The distinction here is that RPA does not enhance cognitive capabilities or train robots in a physical sense but rather focuses on the automation of processes and workflows in a digital context.