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Connect

Establishes a connection to the OpenAI API service for accessing AI models and capabilities.

Common Properties​

  • Name - The custom name of the node.
  • Color - The custom color of the node.
  • Delay Before (sec) - Waits in seconds before executing the node.
  • Delay After (sec) - Waits in seconds after executing node.
  • Continue On Error - Automation will continue regardless of any error. The default value is false.
info

If the ContinueOnError property is true, no error is caught when the project is executed, even if a Catch node is used.

Inputs​

This node does not have any input variables.

Options​

  • API Key - The OpenAI API key credential from your Robomotion Vault. Required unless using Robomotion AI Credits.
  • Use Robomotion AI Credits - When enabled, uses Robomotion's managed AI credits instead of your own API key. Some features (file operations) are not available with this option.

Outputs​

  • Connection Id - A unique identifier for the established connection. Pass this to other OpenAI nodes to use the same connection.

How It Works​

The Connect node establishes a connection to OpenAI's API service. When executed:

  1. Validates the API key from your Vault (if not using Robomotion Credits)
  2. Creates a connection session to the OpenAI service
  3. Returns a connection identifier that can be reused across multiple OpenAI nodes

Usage Examples​

Example 1: Connect with Your API Key​

1. Add a Connect node to your flow
2. In Options, select your OpenAI API key from the Vault
3. Leave "Use Robomotion AI Credits" unchecked
4. The node outputs a connection_id
5. Use this connection_id in subsequent OpenAI nodes

Example 2: Connect with Robomotion Credits​

1. Add a Connect node to your flow
2. Check "Use Robomotion AI Credits" option
3. No API key needed
4. The node outputs a connection_id
5. Use this connection_id for text, image, and audio operations

Requirements​

  • With API Key: A valid OpenAI API key stored in your Robomotion Vault
  • With Robomotion Credits: An active Robomotion account with available AI credits
  • Network access to OpenAI API endpoints

Error Handling​

The node will return errors in these cases:

  • ErrInvalidArg: API key is empty or invalid when not using Robomotion Credits
  • Network errors: Unable to reach OpenAI API service
  • Authentication errors: Invalid or expired API key

Tips for RPA Developers​

  • Store your OpenAI API key in the Robomotion Vault for security - never hardcode it
  • Use Robomotion Credits for quick prototyping without managing API keys
  • The same connection can be reused for multiple operations, improving performance
  • File operations (Upload, Download, List Files) require your own API key and won't work with Robomotion Credits
  • Always pair Connect with Disconnect nodes to properly manage connections
  • Connection IDs are valid for the duration of your flow execution

Common Errors and Solutions​

Error: "Not an API Key item"

  • Solution: Ensure you've selected a valid API Key credential from the Vault, not a different credential type

Error: "No Token Value"

  • Solution: The selected credential doesn't contain an API key value. Create a new credential with your OpenAI API key

Error: "API Key cannot be empty"

  • Solution: When not using Robomotion Credits, you must provide an API key. Either add one or enable "Use Robomotion AI Credits"