Definition
Intelligent automation combines RPA with AI technologies (machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision) to handle both structured and unstructured data, make decisions, and adapt to changing conditions. It's the bridge between traditional RPA and fully autonomous AI agents.
Example
An intelligent automation system processes invoices in any format (PDF, email, paper scan), extracts data using OCR and NLP, matches line items against purchase orders, flags discrepancies, and routes exceptions to the appropriate reviewer.
Why it matters
Intelligent automation handles the 20-30% of cases that pure RPA can't manage, the exceptions, variations, and edge cases that require judgment.