Platform-Agnostic RPA Modules for Faster Browser Automation Migration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic process automation (RPA) systems require manual coding for specific browser automation platforms, making migration to new platforms difficult and time-consuming, and lack flexibility in handling diverse web interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An abstraction layer using reusable modules with configurable parameters allows users to build platform-agnostic RPA applications, utilizing a set of handler, generator, and hook modules to automate tasks across multiple websites without re-coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual coding is used for specific browser automation platforms, then automation tasks can be performed, but migration to new platforms becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an abstraction layer that acts as an intermediary between the automation application logic and the underlying browser automation platform. This abstraction layer translates high-level automation commands into platform-specific actions, allowing the same application to run across different platforms (Selenium, Puppeteer, Playwright) without modification. The abstraction layer mediates between the universal automation interface and diverse platform implementations, eliminating the need for manual re-coding during platform migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal automation interface that can work with multiple browser automation platforms through a single codebase. The system design allows one automation application to perform the same functions across different platforms by utilizing the abstraction layer's ability to adapt commands to each platform's specific requirements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coded solutions for each platform.
2Ease of manufacture
If platform-specific coding is used, then automation can be implemented, but maintainability and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automation system into distinct layers: an abstraction layer that handles platform-specific complexities and an application layer that contains business logic. This segmentation isolates platform-specific code from the core automation logic, making the system easier to maintain. When platform updates or changes occur, only the abstraction layer needs modification, while the main application logic remains unchanged and scalable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If diverse automation endpoints are maintained, then multiple websites can be automated, but the system becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automation interface that can interact with multiple diverse websites and automation endpoints through a consistent API. The abstraction layer handles the variability of different website structures and automation requirements, allowing a single automation application to work across multiple platforms and websites without increasing system complexity. This universality enables broad website coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments as disclosed provide improved RPA systems and methods that utilize a set of reusable modules. These modules may include an associated set of configurable parameters and be associated with instructions for a browser automation platform. An RPA application to accomplish a task at a target website is built using these modules. The RPA application may be executed at the RPA system using an instance of a browser. The RPA application can be executed by evaluating an identified module of the RPA application based on the configuration parameters to determine instructions for a browser automation platform for the identified module. These browser automation platform instructions can then be provided to the browser automation platform to execute against the browser instance.