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RPA and AI Agents

We explain bots, RPA, AI agents and Agentic AI in plain language: what they are, how they differ and the role each plays in intelligent automation.

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Core Concepts

Bot, RPA and the AI agent

What is RPA?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) lets software robots interact with digital systems to mimic human behavior. It performs rule-based, repetitive tasks like data entry, transactions and reading emails quickly and without errors, reducing manual effort without changing your existing systems.

What is a Bot?

A bot is a software-based digital worker designed to mimic human actions within digital systems. Unlike physical robots, it runs on computers and interacts with applications like a person: clicking buttons, entering data, reading emails and navigating systems.

What is an AI Agent?

An AI agent is software that perceives its environment, makes decisions and acts autonomously to reach goals. Unlike traditional bots, it is dynamic and context-aware. It can interpret unstructured data (text, audio, visuals), adapt to new situations and collaborate with people or other agents.

Differences

RPA bots vs AI agents

Key Differences

RPA vs AI Agent

RPA follows strict rules; agents decide and adapt to new situations.
RPA works well with structured data; agents interpret emails, documents and conversations.
RPA always runs the same steps; agents adjust behavior by context.
RPA automates tasks; agents manage tasks autonomously and collaborate.
RPA clicks and types like a user; agents understand language and generate content.

What is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI describes AI systems that can make decisions and carry out tasks autonomously, with limited human intervention, to reach specific goals. The term "agentic" emphasizes their capacity to act independently.

Agent vs Agentic AI

In short

An AI agent is software that perceives, decides and acts; the building block of intelligent automation.
Agentic AI is the broader approach in which these agents are built and run, working toward goals with memory, planning and decision-making.
AI Agent = individual actor; Agentic AI = the approach that enables goal-oriented autonomy.

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