Robotic Process Automation (RPA) applications in COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic took the entire world by surprise. Governments and companies hastily implemented measures to protect public health as well as the countries’ economies. Many companies had to close their offices and shut down their factories. Most white-collar employees had to start working from home and online communication tools became key components of their lives. While governments and companies were adapting to the new normal, sickness-resilient digital employees, the software robots, became more apparent. Robot Process Automation (RPA) introduced the ultra-performing and fast-learning software robots into our lives. These robots can work 24/7 in many areas, assisting human employees and helping customers. This chapter discusses different applications of RPA robots around the world and in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. RPA became the new disruptive technology that offered innovation to the business world. It found application areas during COVID-19 in various sectors such as health care, education, and public sectors. Governments and companies got help from the RPA robots to track patients, optimize supply chain processes, assist students and teachers in online classes and respond to the increased demand in online shopping.