Robotic process automation (RPA) uses AI and machine learning to automate high-volume, repetitive tasks across various industries like banking, HR, healthcare, insurance, utilities, legal, business process outsourcing, government, and manufacturing. RPA software allows robots to perform tasks like logging into applications, copying and pasting data, processing files and emails, reading and writing databases, and extracting information from documents. RPA provides benefits like increased productivity without breaks or holidays but does require change management and handling of unstructured data. Common RPA tools include Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, UiPath, and OpenSpan.