UI test automation has come a long way, but many teams still rely on legacy tools like Robot Framework to validate web applications. While keyword-driven frameworks offered simplicity and accessibility in the past, they now face serious limitations when applied to today’s dynamic, asynchronous, and rapidly evolving front-end environments. As teams strive for faster releases, tighter CI/CD pipelines, and developer-first workflows, a more modern solution is needed.
This blog explores how Playwright, a powerful end-to-end testing framework from Microsoft, addresses these challenges with a robust, code-centric approach. Even more exciting is the integration of GitHub Copilot—enhanced with Model Context Protocol (MCP)—as an intelligent agent in VSCode that can understand your testing context and assist in writing meaningful, production-grade Playwright tests. Together, Playwright and Copilot redefine what test automation can look like: faster to write, easier to maintain, and deeply integrated into the developer experience.
Example workflow diagram of GitHub Copilot with Playwright integration:
Why Teams Are Evolving Beyond Robot Framework
While Robot Framework remains a valuable tool for keyword-driven testing, evolving development practices have led many teams to explore more flexible, code-centric alternatives. Modern tools like Playwright offer better support for dynamic web features, seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines, and enhanced debugging within familiar IDEs—making them a strong fit for teams seeking speed, precision, and alignment with today’s development workflows.
Here’s the example between Robot Framework code (Left) and Playwright code (Right)
Copilot Agent in Action with Playwright
One of the most transformative parts of using Playwright today isn’t just the framework itself—it’s how GitHub Copilot, powered by MCP (Model Context Protocol), can act as an intelligent test authoring agent right inside VSCode.
By integrating Copilot with Playwright in a context-aware setup, developers can treat test writing like a conversation: describe an intent in a comment or function name, and let Copilot generate a meaningful, runnable Playwright test scaffold in real time.
Here’s the example eShopOnWeb website that we’ll use to demonstrate:
How It Works
Describe the test case
Example: I want to create playwright test on http://localhost:5106. I want to test account creation function
Copilot understands your project context
With MCP, Copilot can use knowledge of existing test structure, Playwright APIs, and naming conventions.
Auto-generates test logic
Copilot suggests steps like page navigation, filling login fields, clicking buttons, and asserting dashboard elements.
You refine and run
Edit the generated code as needed and execute immediately using Playwright’s built-in test runner.
Below is an example video of how GitHub Copilot generating Playwright test via Playwright MCP:
Why This Matters
Speed: You spend less time writing boilerplate and more time refining logic.
Confidence: Suggestions align with Playwright’s API and your actual project structure.
Fluid Workflow: Stay in VSCode, preview test runs instantly, and iterate without context-switching.
Maintainability: The generated code is readable, version-controlled, and easily refactored.
In Conclusion
The combination of Playwright and GitHub Copilot (with MCP integration) represents a significant shift in how we approach UI test automation. Where Robot Framework relied on static keywords and rigid abstraction, Playwright offers a dynamic, code-first environment that aligns with how modern applications are built and tested. When enhanced with Copilot’s ability to understand test intent, suggest code, and adapt to your project structure, writing automated tests becomes less about syntax—and more about collaboration between human and machine.
This modern workflow not only accelerates test development but also improves maintainability, reduces boilerplate, and brings testing directly into the developer’s day-to-day tools. For teams ready to move beyond the limitations of legacy frameworks, Playwright and Copilot provide a smarter, faster path forward.
Finally, SCB TechX is ready to be your Tech Partner who understands your business. With experience managing large-scale systems, we help establish automated DevOps flows that support future growth.
For service inquiries, please contact us at https://bit.ly/4etA8Ym
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