Menu
Menu
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to a situation where many Robotic Process Automation (RPA) providers use AI as a marketing tool, which can cause confusion and concern. RPA and AI are sometimes incorrectly seen as synonyms, while in reality, RPA is not AI but can make use of it. In this comprehensive article, we delve deeper into the differences between RPA and AI and how they can be deployed complementarily to make business processes more efficient and effective.
Robotic Process Automation, often abbreviated as RPA, is a proven technology that uses software robots, also called bots, to automate repetitive actions and routine tasks previously performed by human employees. These virtual robots are actually software programs that are programmed to perform a series of specific tasks in a defined process. They can do this by manipulating the user interface of a computer system in the same way a human user would.
RPA robots are configured with a series of predetermined actions, which they execute consistently and accurately without the need for human intervention. They can work on routine tasks such as data entry, data processing and collection, and even complex tasks such as filling out forms, generating reports, and performing accurate calculations. They do all this in a fraction of the time a human employee would need, making them both time and cost-saving.
However, while RPA robots are highly efficient and effective in performing the tasks for which they are programmed, they do not have the ability to think or reason independently. They are unable to adapt to changing conditions or to spontaneously take new actions outside the scope of their programming. Even when confronted with unknown situations or errors, they cannot come up with a solution on their own. They are entirely dependent on the programmer’s instructions and are incapable of spontaneous creativity or independent problem-solving. If a change or adjustment in their tasks is necessary, this can only be done through the intervention of a specialized RPA developer or programmer.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), or Kunstmatige Intelligentie, is a dynamic field in computer science. The goal is to develop systems that perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning from experiences, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions based on data. AI systems can even adapt their behavior to new information or changing circumstances.
Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables these systems to learn and improve through repeated exposure to data. They can perform complex analyses and make recommendations or take actions based on that, sometimes even completely autonomously, without human intervention.
There are various forms and applications of AI, ranging from simple algorithms to advanced techniques such as deep learning and neural networks. These advanced techniques can handle tasks like natural language processing, image and speech recognition, and making predictions based on historical data. Despite the complexity, the development in this field continues at a rapid pace, constantly creating new possibilities.
RPA and AI both form important techniques in the automation and optimization of business processes, but their characteristics and applications differ. RPA, which works within a predetermined framework, accurately performs specific tasks according to predefined rules and procedures, without adapting to changes.
On the other hand, AI is designed to learn and improve itself based on the data it processes and the experiences it gains during task execution. This enables AI to solve more complex problems, identify patterns and make predictions, allowing it to adapt to new situations and become increasingly efficient over time.
RPA and AI can work together to improve processes and increase efficiency. An example of this is the use of AI in RPA for document recognition and processing.AI can be used to extract, understand, and categorize text from a document. Then, RPA can use the extracted information to automatically enter data into a system or send the document to the appropriate department.
This collaboration between RPA and AI enables companies to leverage the best of both technologies. RPA provides reliable automation of predetermined tasks, while AI offers the flexibility to solve more complex problems. This combined approach can lead to significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes.
It’s important to understand that RPA software robots perform predetermined actions and are not self-thinking. This means that the robots only perform the tasks for which they are programmed and cannot take unexpected actions. RPA is a standalone technology, deployed without AI. By using RPA and AI in a complementary manner, businesses can benefit from the advantages of both technologies, without worrying about unforeseen consequences.
Looking forward to the future of RPA and AI, we will likely see greater collaboration and integration between the two technologies. This will lead to even more efficient and effective automation of business processes, allowing businesses to better respond to changing market conditions.
In this article, we have outlined the main differences between RPA and AI, as well as some examples of how these technologies work together to improve business processes. By sharing this information, we hope to reduce confusion around these two technologies and help businesses make informed decisions about their automation strategies.
Do you understand the power of Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence but struggle with effectively integrating these technologies into your business processes? The Tembo RPA team is here to help. We are experts in combining RPA and AI to maximize efficiency and productivity, save costs, and provide a better customer experience.