RPA with AI: Intelligent Automation for Systems Without an API
RPA with AI pairs software robots that work through screens with a language model that reads emails and scanned forms. It automates work in systems without an API. Remolda delivers one process in six weeks for $9,800 CAD + HST.
In short
- Price: $9,800 CAD + HST for the six-week AI Pilot Sprint: one process automated in production.
- Where it fits: data entry into older desktop or web systems, portal lookups, copying between systems, reconciliations.
- The robot handles screens; the AI step reads unstructured inputs such as emails, PDFs and scanned forms.
- Platforms: Microsoft Power Automate desktop flows, UiPath, or code where volume calls for it. Licences stay in your name.
- Exceptions go to a person with the case prepared. Every robot run is logged.
Your situation
RPA with AI fits work that happens inside systems nobody plans to replace this year. Typical cases:
- Staff retype data between systems. An intake form arrives, and someone copies it field by field into a desktop application.
- Portals without integration. Checking a claim, a permit or a supplier status means logging in and reading a screen.
- An older ERP or case system. It has no API, or the vendor quotes months for one.
- Existing robots break on messy input. Rule-based bots stop when an email or PDF deviates from the template.
How robots and AI split the work
| Part of the process | Who does it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reading the input | AI step | Understands an email, extracts fields from a scanned form |
| Deciding the path | Rules plus AI classification | New client, change request or exception |
| Working the screens | Robot | Opens the application, fills fields, saves |
| Handling exceptions | A person | Reviews the prepared case and decides |
| Record keeping | The flow | Logs every run, input and outcome |
Microsoft describes desktop flows as broadening the RPA capabilities in Power Automate to automate repetitive desktop processes. The AI step adds reading and classification on top.
Where a system does offer an API, LLM integration with existing systems is usually the sturdier route. For processes that live mostly in cloud apps, see AI workflow automation.
What the AI Pilot Sprint includes
Process map and baseline. Every step, screen and exception of one process, with current time and volume.
One process in production. Robot and AI steps built on Power Automate, UiPath or code, running on real cases.
Exception handling. Items the flow cannot complete go to a named person with the context ready.
Monitoring. Run logs, failure alerts and a weekly summary of volumes and exceptions.
Runbook and training. The owner learns to restart runs, update steps after screen changes and read the logs.
How long it takes
Six weeks from kickoff. In our experience the usual split is one week for accounts and a test environment, three weeks of build and testing on real cases, and two weeks of live runs with adjustments. Security reviews for robot accounts and changes to the target system can add time.
What it costs
The AI Pilot Sprint is $9,800 CAD + HST, fixed, for one process. RPA licences and model usage are billed by the vendor directly. Need help choosing which process to automate first? The AI Opportunity Audit ($2,900) ranks candidates, and its fee is credited toward the Sprint. Full packages are on the pricing page.
Why Remolda for RPA with AI
- Tool choice by fit. Power Automate, UiPath or code, based on your licences and volumes.
- API first where it exists. We recommend a robot only where it is the practical route.
- Fixed price for one process. Scope written before the invoice.
- Exceptions go to people. An unclear step stops the run and alerts a named owner.
- You own it. Robots, accounts and logs sit in your environment.
How the work runs
The Sprint is the Implement step of the Remolda Cycle (Audit → Strategy → Implement → Empower → Evolve).
- Scope call. 30 minutes to pick the process.
- Map and access. Steps, screens, exceptions, robot accounts.
- Build. Robot and AI steps tested on real cases.
- Go live. Runs monitored daily, exceptions routed.
- Review. Time and error rate against the baseline, then go / adjust / stop. Further processes move to the Evolve step.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RPA and AI automation?
RPA follows fixed steps on a screen: click here, copy this field, paste it there. AI handles the parts that need reading and judgement, such as understanding an email or pulling fields from a scanned form. Intelligent automation combines both in one process.
When is RPA the right choice over an API integration?
When the system has no usable API, the vendor charges heavily for one, or the change is needed before an integration project could start. Where an API exists, a direct integration is usually more stable, and we recommend it.
How much does RPA with AI cost?
The six-week AI Pilot Sprint is $9,800 CAD + HST for one process in production. RPA licences (Power Automate, UiPath) and model usage are paid to the vendor directly; we size them with you before the build.
Power Automate or UiPath?
Power Automate desktop flows suit organizations already on Microsoft 365 and Windows. UiPath suits larger robot fleets and teams that already run it. We recommend one after looking at your systems, licences and the volume of runs.
What happens when a screen changes?
The robot stops at that step and alerts the owner. The runbook explains how to update the selector or step, and the team is trained to do it for common changes.
Which processes are good candidates?
High-volume, rule-based steps with stable screens: entering intake data into a case system, checking a government or insurer portal, moving invoice data into an older ERP, reconciling two reports.
How long does it take?
Six weeks from kickoff for one process. In our experience, access to a test environment and robot accounts decides the schedule more than the build.
Sources
- Microsoft Learn — Introduction to desktop flows (Power Automate)
- Microsoft Learn — AI Builder overview
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada — AI, privacy, and your business
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