Robots

A robot is a deterministic worker that follows a fixed workflow.

Tasks

• Execute predefined steps
• Perform UI clicks, type, extract data
• Call APIs, read files
• Handle structured repetitive actions
• Require explicit workflow design
• Do not generate their own steps
• Do not make decisions unless pre-programmed

Robots = “Automate the known”
They do exactly what you tell them, nothing more.

Example

A robot reads an invoice → enters into SAP → emails confirmation.
If the vendor number is missing? Robot fails.

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AI Agent

An AI agent is a more autonomous entity that uses LLMs + reasoning + tools to achieve goals, not just follow scripted tasks.

Tasks

• Understand goals in natural language
• Break work into subtasks
• Decide which tools (robots, APIs, apps) to use
• Change execution plans dynamically
• Recover from unexpected situations
• Learn from interactions

Agents = “Automate the unknown”
They deal with variability and unstructured work that robots cannot.

Example

Agent receives: “Process this vendor invoice.”
Agent:

• Reads document
• Recognizes missing vendor ID
• Searches in ERP
• If still missing, drafts an email asking AP team
• Once confirmed, instructs a robot to complete SAP entry
• Logs the case

Agents solve end-to-end business problems, not tasks.

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Robots vs AI Agents

Feature	Robots	AI Agents
Execution	Deterministic workflow	Goal-driven, dynamic
Behavior	Follows strict steps	Chooses steps autonomously
Flexibility	Low	Very high
Handles edge cases	Only if pre-programmed	Can reason and adapt
Inputs	Structured (files, forms, UIs)	Unstructured (emails, chats, documents)
Human interaction	Minimal	Conversational, contextual
Example	Invoice data entry	Customer service agent solving a case

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