Robotic Process Automation RPA
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a generic type of software that facilitates or automates robots to perform a variety of repetitive tasks, these tasks can be manual or digital such as data extraction, form filling, file movement etc. The robots designing to deal with software or data issues are usually referred to as bots, that can learn to mimic human actions and interact with applications, systems, and workflows.
Practical tasks such as the management of payroll, timesheets, attendance, recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding can be carried out by bots, but they now can also interpret text, engage in chats, and understand unstructured data. Three types of RPA, include attended, unattended, and hybrid depending on their autonomy, such bots may also work alongside human employees, known as Robotic Desktop Automation (RDA). The term hyperautomation has also come to be used to refer to an approach that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to address complex challenges.
[edit] Related articles on Designing for Buildings
- Artificial intelligence and civil engineering.
- Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the project profession.
- Artificial intelligence and surveying.
- Artificial intelligence for smarter, safer buildings.
- Artificial intelligence in buildings.
- BSRIA publishes Artificial Intelligence in Buildings white paper.
- Building automation and control systems.
- Building information modelling.
- Computer aided design CAD.
- Computers in building design.
- Generative design.
- Global building automation.
- Internet of things.
- Key AI related terms to be aware of, with UK government explanations.
- Machine learning.
- Parametric design.
- Predictive analytics.
- The impact of digital on civil engineering.
- Will AI ever be able to design buildings?
Featured articles and news
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description fron the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
























