RPA - The Rise of Automation Technologies

The basic premise of any technology is based on making things easy for humans. From calculators up until digital face recognition, we have always automated humdrum, repetitive tasks to free ourselves from physical and cognitive burdens. In due process, we have given birth to the field of Robotic Process Automation.

The progress in RPA can be tracked through four different stages. The first stage was Assisted RPA in which the machines automated simple tasks in the presence of humans. An example would be of a software copying piece of information on screen and replicating it elsewhere. The next came Unassisted RPA in which machines could perform business process on its own without human supervision. Autonomous RPA is currently in development. In this, RPA leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence and technologies like cognitive automation and machine learning. This stage is undergoing continuous development as new research keeps improving the existing body of knowledge. The next in line is Cognitive RPA that utilizes Natural Language Processing, Text Analytics and semantic technology to make sense of unstructured data, giving valuable decision making insights. This stage is in the making and works on to pass significant human capabilities to machines.

Forrester predicts that the RPA industry will exponentially grow from 250 Million Dollars from 2016 to 2.9 Billion Dollars in 2021. This is hardly a surprise as we find new path breaking research in the Automation.  The trend to automate will only grow stronger with time. Automation technologies will become more mainstream and companies will move towards automated solutions. In automation, systems are programmed to mimic human behavior for carrying out mundane repetitive tasks, but only better. This two things: firstly, it minimize errors, and secondly, machines work 24/7. Today, machines perform fairly complex tasks with relative ease. RPA also frees up sufficient human resources that can focus on other challenging aspects of work. 

There is a growing concern that automation can lead to job scarcity. This is partly valid as jobs of repetitive nature stand at the risk of being automated. But, automation will also lead to creation of new jobs which are more creative and challenging that depend more on human creativity and competence. Another factor holding back automation is the belief that RPA is only for large-scale enterprises. Mid-sized companies shy away from RPA because it seems beyond their capability. This will soon change, as innovation speeds up, RPA applications will move from highly specific to general domains of high utility. There are immense trickle down benefits in store for businesses looking for automated solutions. 

Developments in RPA are set to revolutionize the way we look at work. Work will be more value-driven that encourages original thought and ideas instead of being task driven.Automation will provide impetus for a world that is more resourceful and better prepared to handle the challenges of tomorrow.

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