Home
/
Latest news
/
Research developments
/

Assessing rpa as a new class of agentic ai

RPA Tools | Are Blue Prism and UIPath Real Agents of Change?

By

Henry Kim

May 16, 2025, 06:54 AM

Edited By

Liam Chen

Updated

May 17, 2025, 01:28 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A person interacting with Robotic Process Automation tools like Blue Prism and UIPath on a computer screen, showcasing automation technology.

A growing coalition of people are debating the classification of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools like Blue Prism and UIPath as Agentic AI. This conversation is heating up as the implications of advanced automation technologies become more apparent.

Shifting Perspectives on RPA

The current discussions emphasize whether these RPA products merit reclassification based on their functionality. Some commenters argue fiercely against the idea, stating things like, "No, RPA is just rule-based logic, not AI." Others agree, asserting, "You could program it to call AI during processing, but it isnโ€™t AI at all."

Community Voices and Insights

Multiple themes emerged in the community conversations:

  • Automation Autonomy: While many are questioning if RPA tools exhibit autonomous behavior, others firmly believe they strictly follow programmed logic. The divide is clear among those who see potential versus those who donโ€™t.

  • Defining AI: The debate is not just about RPA's capabilities but about what truly defines Agentic AI. Some feel classification is unwarranted as RPA lacks genuine autonomy, while others advocate for a broader interpretation.

  • Engagement and Resources: The tech community is working to foster constructive discussions. A sentiment of collaboration is palpable, with invitations like, "Join our Discord to chat more about this topic!" received positively, signifying a thirst for deeper engagement.

"This classification may set a precedent for future technologies," one commenter stated, highlighting significant stakes involved in this debate.

Mixed Sentiments on RPA's Future

The general tone in the community shows a mixed bag of excitement and skepticism. Enthusiasts convey hope for innovation, while critics hesitate, questioning the implications of such classifications. The conversation reflects a major shift in thinking around RPA and its role in AI.

Essential Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ” Many in the community argue RPA is merely rule-based.

  • โš–๏ธ Debate continues over whether it can be classified as Agentic AI.

  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Engagement opportunities are available for further discussion.

As this dialogue progresses, it signifies a noteworthy trend in technology where the lines between automation evolve. The industry's perception of RPA may greatly impact future developments and its integration into broader AI frameworks.

What Lies Ahead for RPA Classification?

Experts speculate thereโ€™s a reasonable likelihood that RPA tools like Blue Prism and UIPath may soon be considered Agentic AI. As the conversation intensifies, itโ€™s likely that definitions of autonomy will also evolve. A notable rise in enterprise adoption is set to drive innovation, perhaps necessitating new regulations that clarify these roles.

Echoes from the Past: Industry Evolution

The current debate about RPA tools draws parallels to the Industrial Revolution, where machinery evolved from simple devices to essential components of industry. Just as the steam engineโ€™s advancements raised concerns about job displacement, the ongoing conversation surrounding RPA classification could have profound effects on workforce dynamics in our digital age.