Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Where it began
Robotic Process Automation emerged in the early 2000s as an evolution of screen scraping and desktop scripting tools used to automate repetitive computer tasks. At the time, organizations were struggling to connect modern digital systems with legacy software that lacked APIs or integration capabilities. RPA bridged that gap, allowing “software robots” to mimic the actions of human users across applications. What started as a clever workaround for data entry and report generation quickly evolved into a discipline of its own: scalable, auditable, and enterprise-grade automation. Early adopters discovered that automating digital labor could dramatically reduce errors, improve speed, and free employees to focus on higher-value work
Where it is
RPA has matured from a tactical tool into a strategic enabler of digital transformation. What once automated repetitive back-office work now drives intelligent, end-to-end business processes. Modern automation platforms combine RPA with artificial intelligence, analytics, and integration frameworks to deliver adaptive, data-driven operations. Bots no longer just follow rules. They understand documents, interpret language, make decisions, and collaborate with humans in real time. This convergence has given rise to Intelligent and Agentic Automation, where digital agents can reason about goals, orchestrate complex tasks, and continuously learn from feedback. Today, RPA is less about replacing people and more about amplifying human capability, enabling organizations to move faster, operate smarter, and focus on innovation.