If you’ve already started your intelligent automation journey, chances are you’re aware of robotic process automation (RPA). Maybe you’ve even rolled out a few bots of your own to tackle those repetitive, rule-based tasks that used to consume your team’s time.
But more recently, the concept of agentic AI has emerged, leaving many wondering, “Is this just another tech trend, or is there something truly different here?”
The truth is that RPA and agentic AI are similar but different in the impact they can make.
Let’s break it down together, using a seemingly random metaphor: dogs. Yes, dogs.
What’s the Difference Between RPA and Agentic AI?
- RPA is your well-trained dog: A well-trained dog sits, stays, and fetches the ball exactly as you taught it, with the capacity to learn new tricks, just like RPA can take on rule-based tasks.
- Agentic AI is your service dog: Beyond just following your commands, a service dog understands your unique needs, adapts to new situations, and makes decisions to help you thrive, just as agentic AI has autonomy and the ability to handle complex workflows and learn from experience.
Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s take a closer look:
What is RPA?
RPA bots are fantastic at following rules, automating repetitive tasks, and mimicking human actions with minimal intervention. But here’s the catch: RPA is only as smart as the rules you give it.
Say your dog is trained to fetch a ball. Every time you throw it, the dog brings it back. It’s reliable and consistent. But if the ball rolls under a piece of furniture, your dog will likely sit and wait for you to step in and retrieve it. And with RPA, when something unexpected happens (i.e. an exception, a new format, a change in process), it needs a human to step in. It’s not built to learn, adapt, or make decisions on its own.
Despite these limits, RPA has its strengths, shining in areas like:
- Invoice processing
- Employee onboarding
- Data migration
What is Agentic AI?
Where RPA stops at “do what I say,” Agentic AI asks, “What are you trying to achieve?” and figures out the best way to get there. It can handle complex workflows, adapt to new data, and make decisions in real time.
Similarly, a service dog isn’t just trained to fetch the ball. Depending on your needs, it can handle tasks like knowing when you need the ball, finding the most efficient, safest route to the park, and even alerting you if it’s about to rain. And in the event of the unexpected, service dogs can problem-solve based on the goal at hand, rather than waiting for you to step in and act, as a non-service dog might. Service dogs and agentic AI alike can take on goals, be autonomous, and learn from experience.
| Feature | RPA (A Well-Trained Dog) | Agentic AI (A Service Dog) |
| Autonomy | Follows rules | Acts independently |
| Learning | Static | Learns and adapts |
| Exception Handling | Manual intervention required | Handles exceptions autonomously |
| Complexity | Simple, repetitive tasks | Multi-system, dynamic workflows |
| Scalability | Limited by rule complexity | Scales with goals and context |
| Decision-Making | None | Embedded reasoning and prioritization |
Agentic AI Use Cases
- Hiring: Agentic AI screens candidates across platforms, adapting to changing criteria and handling exceptions without manual intervention.
- Healthcare: Agentic AI in healthcare navigates patient data, insurance rules, and compliance needs, learning and improving as it goes.
- Resource Planning: Agentic AI allocates staff across platforms like Salesforce and Monday.com, helping you respond to shifting priorities and business needs.
Choosing the Right Dog for the Job
So, which “dog” does your organization need most right now?
If you’re automating simple, repetitive tasks, RPA is your best pick.
But if you’re looking to tackle complex, dynamic workflows and want a tool that learns, adapts, and helps you achieve your goals, Agentic AI is the answer.
Ready to explore Agentic AI further? Drop your questions or comments below, we’re here to be your most trusted partner on your intelligent automation journey.
