In recent years, the Robot Framework has evolved from a testing tool to a versatile automation platform. Thanks to its technology-agnostic architecture, users can automate a wide variety of systems - from web to mainframe. This is made possible by numerous community-developed keyword libraries. Originally initiated by Nokia, the open source project now has over 70 member organizations, a growing user base and a well thought-out financing model. The culture of participation is particularly remarkable: thanks to open development, a lively community and regular conferences, the tool remains dynamic - with a focus on comprehensibility, flexible expandability and sustainable further development.
In this episode, I talk to René Rohner about the Robot Framework, an amazingly versatile open source test automation tool that thinks far beyond testing. What started out as simple keyword-driven testing has now evolved into a generic automation framework that can do everything from RPA to mainframe testing. René, CEO of the Robot Framework Foundation, takes us into the community, which is alive and kicking with thousands of members and millions of downloads. We shed light on technological cascades, data connection, sustainable financing - and why open source is more than just free code.
"Today we say: Robot Framework is a generic automation framework - no longer just for testing." - René Rohner
René Rohner is Product Owner of the test automation value stream and Principal Consultant at imbus AG.As Chairman of the Board of the Robot Framework Foundation and Open Source Enthusiast, he is actively involved in the further development and dissemination of open source solutions.He is a developer in the core team of the Playwright-based keyword library "Robot Framework Browsers" and developer of other open source libraries for the Robot Framework.He is a trainer and coach for keyword-driven testing and co-author of the book "Keyword-Driven Testing"
The Robot Test Framework is a generic automation framework characterized by its keyword-driven testing methodology. It allows users to write tests in an easy-to-read syntax that is accessible even to professionals without in-depth programming knowledge. Key strengths of the Robot Testing Framework are it's flexibility and adaptability: it can be integrated into various software development environments and supports a wide range of testing options for web, mobile, API, and desktop applications across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The ability to interact with different automation technologies makes it a valuable tool for developers and testers alike.
The Robot Framework was originally developed by Hans Bovalda and has since evolved into a versatile automation tool. The first applications took place in Finland, where the framework was used to support acceptance testing.
The open source availability is a standout feature of the Robot Test Framework. Thanks to its open structure, the community can actively contribute to further development. This collaboration has made it possible to continuously improve the framework and adapt it to the needs of users.
The Robot Framework’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of testing scenarios, including system, integration, and acceptance testing. In addition, its support for robotic process automation (RPA) extends its utility to the automation of business processes.
A key advantage of the Robot Framework is its technology independence. By using adapters, developers can easily connect the framework to different automation technologies. This flexibility allows users to customize the framework to their specific needs while facilitating integration into existing systems.
The user-friendliness of the Robot Framework is supported by the keyword-driven approach. This allows users to create tests with a clear and readable syntax, choosing from predefined keywords. This reduces the barrier to entry for non-developers and makes the framework accessible to a broader range of stakeholders.
The Robot Framework is highly extensible through the use of external libraries and tools. Custom keyword libraries can be developed in Python, Java, and other languages. The framework can also be integrated with established tools such as Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright.
One of the user-friendly features is the use of graphical editors to create test sequences. These editors allow even less tech-savvy users to create and manage tests visually. The drag-and-drop approach makes the process more intuitive, which increases the acceptance of the Robot Test Framework within teams.
In addition, user-defined keywords can be defined to abstract complex test cases and create reusable components, improving both efficiency and the readability of test cases.
As an open-source solution, the Robot Framework is free to use. The open-source model encourages community involvement, allowing users to contribute to the development of the framework, extend its functionality, and benefit from shared resources and support.
The Robot Framework offers a range of features, including:
Cascading Keywords: These allow complex test scenarios to be constructed from simple, modular steps—without requiring programming skills.
Terminal Emulation Support: Notably for 3270 terminals, this feature enables testing of legacy systems and extends the framework’s reach to older enterprise applications.
The framework excels in data-driven testing, supporting a wide range of databases including DB2, MySQL, and Oracle. This makes it ideal for validating applications that rely on large volumes of data or require comprehensive scenario testing with variable input.
Established in 2015, the Robot Framework Foundation supports the framework’s continued development. Funded primarily through corporate memberships, the foundation invests in targeted projects that enhance the framework’s functionality and reach.
With an annual development budget of approximately €250,000, the Robot Framework continues to evolve—currently with planned enhancements such as extended API support in version 8.
The community is a cornerstone of the Robot Framework ecosystem. Contributors play a key role in maintaining documentation, identifying and resolving issues, and providing support. Working groups, feedback loops, and Q&A forums further strengthen community engagement.
In addition, conferences foster the exchange of ideas, promote innovation, and provide opportunities for users and developers to connect and collaborate.
The Robot Framework presents a compelling choice for test automation professionals, offering:
A generic automation framework supporting a wide range of technologies
Flexible extensibility through custom libraries and tool integration
User-friendly cascading keywords that lower the entry barrier
A supportive community driving continuous improvement
Testers and developers alike are encouraged to get involved and help shape the future of the Robot Framework. More information is available on the official website.
The Robot Test Framework is a generic automation framework specialized in test automation. Test automation increases the efficiency of software development and improves the quality of software products.
The Robot Testing Framework was developed by Hans Bovalda. It has been available as open source since 2005 and has been further developed with the support of Nokia Helsinki.
The main features of the Robot Test Framework include keyword-driven testing, technology independence and user-friendliness. It also supports Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and enables the use of adapters for various automation technologies.
The Robot Test Framework offers the possibility to extend it with your own libraries and tools. Users can use graphical editors to create test sequences and define custom keywords.
The Robot Framework offers unique features such as cascading keywords, support for terminal emulation (e.g. 3270) and data-driven testing with various databases such as DB2, MySQL and Oracle.
The Robot Framework Foundation was established in 2015 to promote the further development of the Robot Framework testing framework. The Foundation receives financial support through membership fees to fund future developments, including planned features in Robot Framework 8.