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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRobotic process automation (RPA) is software that carries out defined tasks by mimicking a person’s interactions with application interfaces. An RPA bot can, for example, enter information into a form or move data between systems. “Robotic” refers to software—not a physical robot.
What is robotic process automation?
RPA automates tasks within business and IT processes using software scripts that emulate human interaction with an application’s user interface. Gartner’s definition centers on that interface-based approach; IBM describes RPA bots as software agents that perform specific tasks on a user’s or software’s behalf. A script may be recorded or programmed, then run by a software runtime.
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In practical terms, a bot follows instructions to perform a defined sequence of computer actions. It may read or enter information, fill in forms, or move files. RPA is most naturally suited to repetitive work with clear rules and steps—not to physical tasks or work that requires open-ended human judgment.
For definitions, see Gartner’s RPA category definition and IBM’s version 21.0.x documentation.
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What does an RPA bot do?
An RPA bot executes a task by interacting with software applications. A workflow might extract information, enter it into a form, and transfer a file. The bot’s actions and the applications it works with depend on how the process is designed; the term “bot” does not mean that the software understands a task as a person would.
IBM’s explainer describes data extraction, form filling, and file movement as examples. UiPath lists use cases such as loan processing, compliance reporting, account reconciliation, healthcare claims, appointment scheduling, order processing, and inventory reconciliation. These are examples offered by software vendors, not proof that every process in those areas is suitable for automation. Suitability depends on the task’s rules, exceptions, and application environment.
More examples are available in IBM’s RPA explainer and UiPath’s RPA overview.
Attended and unattended RPA: what is the difference?
Attended and unattended describe how a bot is operated, not different definitions of RPA.
- Attended RPA: A person triggers or works alongside the bot. This mode is useful when automation is part of a human-led workflow.
- Unattended RPA: A bot runs with little or no human interaction, often after a scheduler or orchestrator starts it.
Some workflows may use one mode or a combination, depending on when a person needs to participate. IBM outlines these modes in its RPA documentation.
What to consider when evaluating RPA software
The definition tells you what RPA does, but not whether a particular platform will suit a workflow. If you are assessing tools, compare how they handle the following:
- Execution: Does the workflow need attended bots, unattended bots, or both?
- Application interaction: How does the software interact with the applications involved, and what happens when their interfaces change?
- Operations: How are bots scheduled, orchestrated, monitored, and restarted or otherwise recovered after an exception?
- Governance: What access controls, audit trails, exception handling, and management dashboards are available, and which are needed for your organization?
These are evaluation questions, not a universal checklist of mandatory features. UiPath recommends centralized management capabilities that include role-based access control, audit trails, exception handling, and unified dashboards; that is vendor guidance rather than independent evidence that every deployment requires all of them. See its RPA overview.
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A vendor count in an analyst report describes the scope of that specific report, not the entire RPA market. Gartner’s 2026 Magic Quadrant abstract, published June 24, 2026, says that edition evaluates 10 enterprise RPA vendors. Its 2024 abstract, published August 7, 2024, says that edition evaluates 13. The different counts refer to different report editions; they are not a stable total of providers.
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See Gartner’s 2026 abstract and 2024 abstract.
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