How to Add a Device in Control Room in Automation Anywhere

Adding a device to your Automation Anywhere Control Room is a fundamental step to enable bot deployment and execution, primarily involving logging into the Control Room, installing the Bot Agent, and connecting your local machine. This process allows your Control Room to communicate with your local machine, transforming it into a Bot Runner capable of executing automated tasks.

Understanding Device Connection in Automation Anywhere

Before you can run any bots, Automation Anywhere requires a connection between the Control Room and the machine where the bots will execute. This machine is referred to as a "device" or "Bot Runner." The connection is facilitated by the Bot Agent, a lightweight application installed on the device, which acts as a bridge, securely relaying commands from the Control Room and sending back execution results.

The Role of the Bot Agent

The Bot Agent is an essential component for device connectivity. It's a small software piece that you install on any machine you intend to use as a Bot Runner. Its key functions include:

Communication: Enabling secure communication between your local device and the Control Room.
Execution: Receiving bot deployment commands from the Control Room and initiating bot execution on the local machine.
Monitoring: Sending real-time status updates and execution logs back to the Control Room.
Security: Ensuring all communications are encrypted and authenticated.

Without the Bot Agent, the Control Room cannot discover, connect to, or deploy bots to your local device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Local Device

Connecting your local machine as a Bot Runner device in Automation Anywhere involves a straightforward process:

Access the Control Room:
- Open a supported web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge) on your local device.
- Navigate to your organization's Automation Anywhere Control Room URL.
- Log in using your provided credentials (username and password).
Initiate Bot Agent Installation and Device Connection:
- Once logged in, the Control Room will typically prompt you to install the Bot Agent if it's not already detected on your machine.
- Alternatively, to explicitly connect a local device: From the menu on the left, click the device icon (often looks like a computer monitor or a plug) to connect your local device. This action usually guides you through the Bot Agent installation if it's missing or helps establish the connection if it's already installed.
Install the Bot Agent:
- Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the Bot Agent software. This usually involves:
  - Downloading the installer file.
  - Running the executable.
  - Accepting the license agreement.
  - Completing the installation wizard.
- Once installed, the Bot Agent will automatically attempt to establish a connection with the Control Room. You might see a confirmation message indicating a successful connection.
Verify Device Connection:
- Return to the Control Room interface.
- Navigate to the Devices section (often found under the "Manage" or "Automation" menu, or directly accessible from the left-hand navigation pane via the device icon).
- You should see your newly added device listed, typically with a "Connected" or "Ready" status.

Practical Insights and Best Practices

Administrator Privileges: Ensure you have administrator rights on the local machine to install the Bot Agent successfully.
Firewall Settings: Check your firewall settings if you encounter connection issues. The Bot Agent needs to communicate with the Control Room over specific ports. Refer to Automation Anywhere documentation for required port details.
Network Connectivity: A stable internet connection between your device and the Control Room is crucial for continuous bot operations.
One Bot Agent Per Machine: Install only one Bot Agent per physical or virtual machine. Multiple installations can lead to conflicts.
Updating Bot Agent: Keep your Bot Agent updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility and leverage new features. The Control Room often prompts for updates when available.

By following these steps, you can efficiently add your local device to the Automation Anywhere Control Room, preparing it for seamless bot deployment and execution.

For more detailed information and troubleshooting, refer to the official Automation Anywhere documentation.