RPA is usually rule-based. It is strong for structured, repetitive tasks like copying data, moving files, filling forms, and following predictable screen-based processes. It struggles when the work requires interpretation, judgment, or flexible language understanding.
Agent systems are often positioned as an evolution beyond RPA. They can still automate repetitive work, but they can also reason through messy inputs, retrieve context, generate language, and decide when to escalate. RPA follows the script. Agents can help write the next step.