Will AI Replace Robotic Process Automation?
Is Gen AI, specifically the new ChatGPT Pro, an RPA Killer?
ChatGPT Pro was announced by OpenAI in December 2024, which finally brought the question that has been marinating for a while to the surface – is AI replacing RPA?
By now you probably feel safe that Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming for your job, but is it coming for RPA’s job?
Both Generative AI solutions, like ChatGPT Plus and Pro are described as solving complex and critical problems. Even new Agentic AI solutions are being trained for “high value workflows”. If you recall, when Robotic Process Automation (RPA) first became mainstream circa 2017, it was also touted to have the same purpose.
Unless you are completely immersed, and versed, in both RPA and Gen AI and what they are capable of in regards to high value workflows, then you’re going to wonder if you’re missing out. If you’re deeply embedded with UiPath, for example, you may be wondering if the new ChatGPT Pro plan can achieve the same goals more effectively or affordably. Conversely, as you have evolved to use GenAI more prolifically in your daily routine, are you wondering if RPA is going to disappear altogether?
GenAI Classifications
GenAI can be classified into several genres that serve very different purposes. When comparing AI to RPA, we usually are talking about agentic AI, which blurs the lines across a few categories, such as search, analytics and task execution.
ChatGPT Pro and tools like it are not “RPA killers,” but rather complementary technologies that could influence the evolution of RPA (Robotic Process Automation). Here’s why:
PRODUCT DIFFERENCES
RPA
Designed to automate repetitive, rules-based tasks by mimicking human interactions with software. RPA excels at handling structured processes, especially in legacy systems that don’t support APIs or modern integrations.
ChatGPT Pro
Focuses on natural language understanding, generating human-like text, and interacting in conversational workflows. It’s great for decision support, content generation, and customer interaction but lacks direct capabilities for process execution in enterprise systems.
COMPLEMENTARY USE CASES
RPA tools like UiPath can integrate with ChatGPT to enhance workflows, e.g., using GPT for decision-making or natural language tasks while RPA executes structured backend processes.
ChatGPT Pro can streamline processes like email drafting, report generation, or knowledge management, leaving the structured automation to RPA tools.
CURRENT LIMITATIONS OF CHATGPT PRO
IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY
RPA vendors are already incorporating AI features like document understanding and conversational AI, making RPA tools smarter and more adaptive. (Read our article, 8 Benefits of Using UiPath with Generative AI)
ChatGPT Pro and similar tools might shift some simple automation tasks away from traditional RPA if they can be handled conversationally.
THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF RPA & GENAI
Rather than replacing RPA, ChatGPT Pro is likely to coexist, with each technology playing to its strengths in the broader intelligent automation landscape.
By adding Generative AI to your RPA solution, you’ll experience:
Are you a UiPath customer and curious how Gen AI or ChatGPT will work with your existing toolset?
Are you ready to adapt AI and wondering if RPA will be a good addition to your ecosystem?
We are longtime partners of UiPath and Microsoft – we can provide guidance and pair you with one of our RPA and AI experts to make sure your toolset is optimized. Skip sales and book on their calendar today!
Keep Reading: UiPath Autopilot with Microsoft Copilot – What & Why?
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