ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION

GROUP 12

Brandon Bosire-C026/404978/2024

ROSELINE ACHIENG C026/405143/2024

Denis Maina C026/402764/2024

Arnold Kibet -C026/402832/2024

Ian Kipngeno _c026/402855/2024

MercyMwende_C026/402814/2024

Simion Macharia-C026/402895/2024

Ann Njeri-C026/402761/2024

Carlton kamau-C026/402842/2024

Samson Ooko -C026/402892/2024

Nicolus Adhiambo-C026/405232/2024

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations are continuously seeking innovative
ways to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. Robotic
Process Automation has emerged as a transformative technology that enables businesses to
automate repetitive, rule-based tasks traditionally performed by human workers. By leveraging
software robots or “bots,” RPA facilitates the execution of processes across various applications
and systems without the need for significant changes to existing infrastructure.

This assignment explores the fundamental concepts, benefits, challenges, and real-world
applications of RPA. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how RPA is reshaping
industries by streamlining workflows, enhancing accuracy, and enabling employees to focus on
higher-value activities. The discussion also delves into the tools and technologies driving RPA
adoption and examines the future prospects of automation in business operations.

The Three Types Of RPA

The three main types of robotic process automation (RPA) are

Attended automation

Unattended automation

Hybrid automation.

Attended Automation

Attended automation is a type of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) designed to assist employees
with their tasks by automating specific steps within a process. These bots are triggered by user
actions and provide real-time assistance, enhancing worker productivity. Attended automation
operates alongside human workers, handling repetitive tasks and freeing up employees to focus
on more complex activities.

For instance, in a customer service setting, an attended bot can help an agent by pulling up
relevant customer information, filling out forms, or suggesting responses during a call. This not
only speeds up the service but also ensures accuracy and consistency. Attended automation is
particularly useful in scenarios where human judgment is crucial and tasks are dynamic, requiring
both human and robotic input. Industries like customer service, sales, and technical support
benefit greatly from attended automation due to the need for real-time data processing and
immediate response actions.
Unattended Automation

Unattended automation operates independently without human intervention. These bots are
programmed to perform tasks and processes autonomously, usually scheduled or triggered by
specific events. They work around the clock, completing repetitive and high-volume tasks with
high efficiency and accuracy, significantly reducing the need for human oversight.

BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION.[RPA]

1.CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.

 -Supports agile business practices by enabling rapid changes.

2.EFFICIENCY AND SPEED

 -Faster task execution: Bots can work 24/7 without breaks, drastically reducing processing
time.

 -Handles repetitive tasks: Perfect for routine like data entry, invoice processing, or report
generation.

3.Accuracy and Consistency.

 -Error Reduction: Bots follow rules exactly, which minimizes human errors.

 -Consistent Performance: Unlike humans, bots won’t get tired or distracted.

4.COST SAVINGS.

 -Lower Operational costs: Automation processes can reduce the need for large work
forces and minimize

rework due to errors.

5.IMPROOVES EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE.

 -Frees up talent: Employees can focus on more strategic, creative, or value-adding tasks.

 -Boosts job satisfaction: Less time on dull work leading to happier employees.

6.BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE.

 -Enhances customer experience through efficient service delivery.

 -faster processing of requests and inquiries, leading to improved response times.

7.COMPLIANCE AND AUDITABILITY.

 -Easy Compliance: Helps maintain compliance with industry regulations by following

workflows precisely.

8.SCALABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY.

 -Easy to scale: Add more bots as your workload increases, without needing to hire and

train new employees.

 -Adapts to Demand: Bots can be programmed or modified quickly in response to business

DISADVANTAGES OF ROBOTICS PROCESSING AUTOMATION

Robotic Process Automations (RPA) has its strengths, but it also comes with certain drawbacks.
Here’s a structured overview:

1. High initial Cost

The setup of RPA can require significant investments in software, infrastructure, and training.

2. Limited Flexibility

RPA excels at repetitive, rule-based tasks, but struggles with processes that involve variability or
decision -making based on judgement. It cannot handle tasks requiring human intuition or
creativity.

3. Scalability Issues

While automating certain processes is efficient, scaling RPA across diverse, interconnected tasks
can be challenging due to the complexity of integrating different systems.

4. Risk of Errors in setup

If bots are not programmed or configured correctly, they may cause errors that disrupt operations
or lead to faulty outputs.

5. Maintenance Challenges
 6. Bots may require regular updates and adjustments to stay compatible with evolving
systems. This can lead to extra maintenance costs.

7. Employee Resistance

In some organizations, employees may view RPA as a threat to their jobs, leading to resistance
and possible morale issues.

8. Security Concerns

Automated processes might be vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly secured as bots handle
sensitive data in many cases.

RPA has clear advantages, but these drawbacks highlight the importance of careful
implementation and consideration.

APPLICATION OF ROBOTICS IN MODERN

DAY INDUSTRY

Robotics has become an integral part of modern life, extending its reach far beyond the
traditional industrial settings. Here's a breakdown of its diverse applications:

1.Manufacturing and Automation:

·Assembly Lines: Robots perform repetitive tasks like welding, painting, and material handling
with high precision and speed, increasing productivity and reducing errors. For example,robotic
arms are used in automotive factories for spot welding car bodies.
·Packaging and Palletizing: Robots efficiently package finished goods and arrange them on pallets
for shipping, optimizing logistics and reducing labor costs.

·Quality Control: Robots equipped with vision systems can inspect products for defects with
greater accuracy and consistency than humans.

2.Healthcare:

·Surgical Robots: Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System allow surgeons to perform minimally
invasive surgeries with enhanced dexterity, 1 precision, and visualization, leading to faster patient
recovery

·Rehabilitation Robots: Exoskeletons and other robotic devices assist patients in regaining
mobility after injuries or strokes by providing controlled and consistent movement.

·Automated Medication Delivery: Mobile robots can transport medications and supplies within
hospitals, improving efficiency and reducing the workload on nurses.

· Disinfection: Autonomous robots equipped with UV light or chemical sprays can disinfect
hospital rooms and other healthcare facilities, reducing the risk of infections.

3.Logistcs and Transportation:

·Warehouse Automation: Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles
(AGVs) streamline operations in warehouses and distribution centers by transporting goods,
sorting packages, and managing inventory.

·Last-Mile Delivery: Robots and drones are being developed to deliver packages directly to
consumers especially in urban areas, aiming to improve speed and efficiency.
·Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars, trucks, and buses are under development with the
potential to revolutionize transportation, improve safety, and reduce traffic congestion.

·Military Applications: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are used for surveillance
reconnaissance, and combat missions. Ground robots handle hazardous tasks like bomb disposal.
Autonomous vehicles are being developed for logistics and transport.

4.Agriculture:

·Precision Farming: Autonomous tractors and harvesters use GPS and sensors to plant monitored
harvest crops with minimal human intervention, optimizing resource usage and increasing yields.

·Crop Monitoring: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can assess crop health identify
pests and diseases, and provide valuable data to farmers.

·Automated Harvesting: Robots are being developed to selectively harvest ripe fruits and
vegetables, reducing labor costs and minimizing waste.

5.Service Industry:

·Hospitality: Robots can provide concierge services, assist with luggage, and even prepare and
serve food.

·Retail: Robots are used for inventory management, shelf stocking, and providing customer
assistance.

·Cleaning: Robotic vacuum cleaners and floor scrubbers are common in homes and commercial
spaces, automating cleaning tasks.

·Security: Mobile robots can patrol premises, monitor for intruders, and provide surveillance.

6. Exploration and Hazardous Environments:

·Underwater Exploration: Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are used for oceanographic
research, pipeline inspection, and deep-sea exploration.

·Disaster Response: Robots can enter hazardous and unstable areas, such as earthquake sites or
nuclear power plants, to search for survivors, assess damage, and perform rescue operations.

· Infrastructure Inspection: Robots are used to inspect bridges, pipelines, and other
infrastructure for damage and wear, improving safety and reducing the need for human workers
in dangerous environments.

7.Everyday Life and Personal Use:

·Domestic Robots: Robotic vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, and pool cleaners automate
household chores.

·Companion Robots: Social robots are being developed to provide companionship and assistance
to the elderly or individuals with disabilities.

·Educational Robots: Robots like LEGO Mindstorms are used to teach children about
programming, engineering, and problem-solving.

Emerging Trends:

·Human-Robot Collaboration: Robots designed to work alongside humans in shared workspaces,

Artificial Intelligence (Al) Integration: Al is increasingly being integrated into robots to enable
them to perform more complex tasks, make decisions, and learn from their environment.
·Dexterous Manipulation: Advances in robotic hand design and control are enabling robots to
perform more intricate and human-like tasks.

· Soft Robotics: Robots made from flexible materials are being developed for applications in
healthcare, exploration, and human-robot interaction.

As Technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and widespread
applications of robotics in virtually every aspect of our lives.