Robotic process automation (RPA) has seen tremendous growth recently, with the market predicted to reach $11 billion by 2027 according to some estimates. As RPA becomes more mainstream, open source RPA tools are starting to gain more attention as lower cost yet powerful alternatives to commercial solutions.
In this comprehensive 2600+ word guide, we analyze the top open source RPA tools on the market today, assess the current state of the open source RPA ecosystem, provide direction to business leaders considering open source RPA, and give recommendations for evaluating and getting started with open source RPA software based on expert analysis.
Evaluating the Leading Open Source RPA Tools
While the open source RPA market still lacks the momentum of commercial solutions from enterprise vendors, innovative open source projects show promising capabilities on par with proprietary counterparts. Here we explore the functionality of 6 leading open source RPA solutions:
1. Robot Framework
Robot Framework stands as the most popular open source RPA option with over 7700 GitHub stars. It uses Python and provides domain-specific language (DSL) for RPA test automation leveraging Selenium for web testing and interfaces with virtually any other test library.
Key strengths:
- Modular architecture allowing easy integration with other tools
- Vibrant community of contributors constantly adding new testing libraries
- Supports keyword-driven, behavior-driven (BDD) and hybrid test approaches
- Cross-platform compatibility
Limitations:
- Steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with Python and Selenium
- No built-in computer vision capability requiring integration with external OCR tools
- Lack of native support for Citrix or terminal emulation environments
Ideal for seasoned Python developers seeking an extensible RPA framework.
2. TagUI
TagUI simplifies RPA through integrating computer vision, screen scraping and machine learning inside an easy-to-learn language purpose-built for automation. It allows using human-friendly English or programming languages like Python and R.
Key strengths:
- Low-code approach enabling user-friendly RPA bots
- OCR and image matching capability built-in
- API access expanding integration possibilities
- Free usage even for commercial use
Limitations:
- Being open-source project, availability of support services uncertain
- Current features may still limit more advanced automation scenarios
- Framework less standardized than mainstream commercial RPA tools
Well-suited for RPA novices that want to get started with process automation without deep programming expertise.
3. OpenRPA
OpenRPA focuses on providing enterprise-grade RPA capabilities as an open source alternative allow organizations to avoid vendor lock-in. It gives both low code and pro code options.
Key strengths:
- Full-featured client supporting common automation activities
- Connectors allow easy integration with third party tools
- Allows Python and .NET scripting for advanced custom tasks
- Cloud or on-premise deployment options
Limitations:
- Being newer project, community support still maturing
- Less out-of-box functionality than leading commercial RPA products
- Requires more technical skill than low-code only solutions
Appealing options for IT teams wanting to evaluate RPA without big upfront software licensing investment.
4. UI.Vision RPA
UI.Vision RPA delivers advanced web automation capability supporting programming languages like Python and C# while allowing low-code bot building.
Key strengths:
- Integrates computer vision functionality
- Built-in analytics dashboard
- Highly extensible architecture
- Free community version available
Limitations:
- User experience not as polished as top commercial RPA products
- Programming complexity on par with mainstream RPA tools
- Smaller open source community support
Gives coder-friendly framework for custom RPA bots along with low-code options.
5. Robocorp
Robocorp provides open-source RPA development frameworks for building bots in Python, using industry standard Robot Framework amongst other tools.
Key strengths:
- Mature Robot Framework core with 1000+ bundled libraries
- Cloud-based bot hosting option in Robocorp Cloud
- Continuous integration/deployment enabled
- Vibrant community support
Limitations:
- Requires Python programming skills
- No low-code bot building options
- Less out-of-box functionality than commercial RPA
Appeals to experienced Python developers wanting advanced RPA framework.
6. Taskt
Taskt offers an open-source .NET based RPA tool for Windows allowing both low code and advanced scripting techniques.
Key strengths:
- Integrates natively with Windows OS
- Supports C# scripting for advanced logic
- Low-code workflow designer
- Free even for commercial use
Limitations:
- Early phase project with small community
- Limited documentation and samples
- Less holistic feature set than commercial RPA products
Fits .NET developers wanting easier way to automate desktop tasks on Windows.
Hands-On Tutorial for Getting Started with Open Source RPA
While open source RPA solutions offer compelling capabilities in many cases matching proprietary tools, their learning curve can still prove steep, especially for RPA beginners.
Here we provide concise, step-by-step tutorials for getting started with two popular open source RPA frameworks – TagUI and OpenRPA – to give a real hands-on introduction to leveraging these tools.
Quick Start Guide for Building RPA Bots with TagUI
Step 1) Install TagUI
TagUI offers a Docker image making setup simple no matter your operating system:
docker pull kelaberetiv/taguiStep 2) Create TagUI test automation file
Using a text editor, create a TagUI test automation file called tutorial.tag with this content:
goto https://www.google.com
type search_box COVID-19
click btnK
wait 3 secondsThis will open Chrome browser, navigate to Google, enter a search term, click the Search button, and wait for 3 seconds.
Step 3) Run tutorial automation
Invoke the tagui_chrome Docker container mapping the current directory and run the tutorial:
docker run -v $PWD:/src -it kelaberetiv/tagui tagui /src/tutorial.tag The automation will now run, and you will see Chrome browser opening and automated steps executing.
This showcases TagUI RPA capabilities through incredibly simple 6 lines of code! You can now develop more complex automations by adding steps like capturing screen regions, integrating back-end systems via API, invoking machine learning and more.
Quick Start Guide for Building RPA Bots with OpenRPA
Step 1) Install OpenRPA
Since OpenRPA runs on Windows, we‘ll use the Chocolatey package manager to install on Windows 10/Windows Server:
choco install openrpa --version 1.3.2 -yStep 2) Open OpenRPA client
Launch the OpenRPA client from newly added Start Menu shortcut. This opens the main design interface.
Step 3) Build sample automation workflow
Click Create New Workflow then drag in activities you want:
- Open Application: Launches notepad.exe
- Type Into: Types Hello World into notepad
- Delay: Adds 2 second delay
- Close Application: Closes notepad
Connect activities by clicking Output Anchor of first to Input Anchor of next.
Step 4) Run automation
Click the Play button to execute workflow. You will see notepad opened, text typed, brief pause, then notepad closed automatically.
This gives a simple yet powerful example of how OpenRPA allows easy desktop automation with no code! You can build upon starter workflow adding security controls, error handling, integrations and more.
Expert Analysis: Current State of Open Source RPA Landscape
To augment our hands-on review of individual open source RPA solutions, we also consulted several thought leaders in the intelligent automation space to provide expert perspective on the overall open source RPA market and ecosystem today:
Arun Vinayan, Founder of Future Labs AI:
“While open source RPA frameworks have witnessed rising traction recently, the reality is proprietary tools from Microsoft, SAP, IBM and other enterprise vendors still dominate most real-world RPA implementations due to factors like security controls, design simplicity, connector ecosystem and dedicated support services around their commercial offerings."
Julie Choo, Principal Automation Consultant at TransformAI:
“We see open source RPA used primarily for proofs of concept or other experimental scenarios currently. Though innovative options exist like TagUI and Robocorp, mainstream developer skills around .NET, Python, PowerShell etc remain lacking in most client IT teams to be able to leverage open source RPA effectively without considerable training investment.”
Kai Grunwitz, CEO at NTT Cloud Communications:
“The open source RPA movement mirrors early stages of the low code revolution 5-10 years ago with new entrants gaining some traction initially often by just open sourcing traditional capabilities, yet over time it became clear winning in the low code space requires extensive scaffolding around the core engines to address enterprise priorities around governance, security and scalability which gives advantage again to the current market leaders.”
In summary, while promising open source RPA frameworks exist today showing potential to disrupt the market, broader enterprise adoption still seems several years away pending maturation around integration, support ecosystems and organizational skill building.
Evaluating Open Source vs Commercial RPA Tools
So when considering automated solutions for business processes, should you choose open source or commercial RPA tools? Here we summarize some key evaluation criteria:
| Comparison Criteria | Open Source RPA | Commercial RPA |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Software Cost | Free | Annual license fees per robot/user |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Can exceed commercial tools long term once support, maintenance and training costs incorporated | Higher initial cost but lower lifetime TCO possible with bundled services |
| Ease of Use | Dependent on coding skills – ranges from developer-focused to low/no code options | Mostly low-code visual design environments |
| Available Support Levels | Limited formal support services | Usually multiple premium support tiers available |
| Skill Set Requirements | Broad range from little to extensive programming competence needed | Low/no code options minimize skill barriers to RPA |
| Feature Completeness | Good for narrow tasks but lacks end-to-end process capability of mature commercial platforms | More complete out-of-box enterprise functionality |
| Ecosystem Integrations | Limited connectors and extensions currently available | Broad array of turnkey integrations with databases, ERPs, cloud apps etc |
| RPA Market Traction | Niche player | 90%+ RPA market share collectively |
| Option Customizability | Highly customizable platform control | Restricted customization capabilities on proprietary commercial platforms |
| Release Maturity | Generally early version software | Mature production grade software releases |
Key Recommendations for Choosing RPA Approach
Based on the above comparison, we suggest:
For simpler quick win automation tasks: Open source solutions can allow achieving basic RPA without big upfront investment when lightweight bot capability meets needs.
For advanced enterprise-grade automation: Commercial tools still provide more complete end-to-end platforms backed by extensive product ecosystems that most organizations require for strategic RPA programs.
For RPA experimentation: Open source tools give inexpensive way to pilot RPA and build developer skills before investing in commercial solutions.
Consult our comprehensive RPA vendor comparison grid covering 50+ commercial RPA platforms to understand all solution options. Reach out for 1-on-1 guidance on the best approach for your organization’s needs from our intelligent automation specialists.
The Outlook for Open Source RPA Adoption
While open source RPA options bring many appealing aspects over current commercial solutions like avoiding vendor lock-in and lower barrier to entry for process automation experiments, the expert consensus suggests mainstream enterprise adoption remains several years away still.
Market dynamics point to a likely pragmatic path of commercial RPA and open source RPA co-existing symbiotically for years to come versus rip and replace disruption of the former by the latter. As large organizations develop strategic automation competency supported by current mature RPA platforms, open source innovation can fuel specialized use cases or augmentation plays leveraging strengths like customizability.
Over the longer-term though, the open source model could gain advantage asguardrails for enterprise usage become established allowing clients to reduce software licensing costs. Much like the 80/20 split between usage of open source Linux vs. proprietary Windows servers nowadays, we may see a similar balance materialize eventually within the RPA software market.
