How RPA works
RPA bots repeat recorded steps: open this screen, copy this field, paste it there. They are fast and predictable when inputs and screens never change, and fragile when they do.
How AI agents differ
An AI agent reads the input, works out what is being asked, and chooses which tools to use. A supplier invoice in an unfamiliar layout, or an email that mixes two requests, is handled by reasoning rather than a fixed script.
Side by side
| RPA | AI agents | |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | Structured, consistent data | Unstructured text and documents too |
| When screens change | Breaks | Adapts, especially through APIs |
| Judgement | None | Decides, explains and escalates |
| Predictability | Fully deterministic | Needs guardrails and testing |
Using both together
A practical pattern is to let an agent handle the messy front end — reading the email, extracting the data, deciding what should happen — and then call reliable, scripted automation or APIs to carry out the stable steps. Each part does what it is best at.
Should you replace existing bots?
Not by default. If an RPA bot runs reliably, keep it. Look first at the processes that bots could never handle because the inputs vary — that is where agents add the most.