Keysight Technologies Unveils Game-Changing UI Test Automation Tool
1. Introduction to Keysight Eggplant Find by Description
On July 8, 2026, Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) made headlines with the announcement of its latest innovation, Keysight Eggplant Find by Description. This cutting-edge tool addresses a critical challenge faced by automation engineers: the maintenance and authoring of user interface (UI) tests. Unlike traditional methods that rely on screenshots, this new functionality allows engineers to locate interface elements through descriptive language, significantly streamlining the testing process.
2. The Challenge of UI Test Maintenance
A staggering 50% of organizations report that one of the chief barriers to effective test automation is the upkeep of scripts that fail as applications evolve. Historically, maintaining image-based scripts has been a hidden cost for companies, as these scripts often break when the interface changes, even if the underlying software continues to function correctly. This results in engineers spending hours recapturing screenshots for tests that should still pass—a repetitive cycle that drains resources and hampers efficiency.
3. How Eggplant Find by Description Works
With Eggplant Find by Description, engineers can describe an interface element—such as a ticket price for a specific date—and the software will identify it without needing screenshots or access to the document object model. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in test automation and is particularly beneficial in an era where application design is frequently updated.
In a demonstration, Keysight showcased that the new tool reduced script volume by an impressive 92% and cut the task duration from over an hour to under 15 minutes. This advancement highlights the application of AI and computer vision technologies in test automation, allowing tests to remain functional even as designs evolve.
4. Key Benefits of the New Tool
1. Tests That Survive Change
By using descriptive language to identify UI elements, tests become resilient to redesigns, theme updates, and resolution shifts. This means automation won’t break each time the interface is updated, turning a significant pain point into a manageable process.
2. Reduced Authoring Maintenance Time
The time previously spent writing scripts and fixing broken tests can now be redirected towards expanding test coverage. This shift enables teams to enhance the overall quality of their software products.
3. Automation of Manual Tasks
Prior to this innovation, testing was predominantly a manual process reliant on image matching. With Eggplant Find by Description, tests can now run automatically using simple text descriptions, significantly reducing the manual effort involved in UI testing.
5. Insights from Leadership
Gareth Smith, General Manager of Software Quality Engineering at Keysight, commented on the launch: “Our goal is to help teams automate more of their testing. However, for too long, the maintenance burden has held that back. Keysight Eggplant Find by Description clears one of the biggest barriers, moving us toward a future where teams automate what they want, not only what their tools allow.”
This statement underscores Keysight’s commitment to empowering organizations to fully leverage automation capabilities without being constrained by traditional methodologies.
6. Conclusion
Keysight’s introduction of Eggplant Find by Description marks a pivotal moment in the realm of software testing automation. By alleviating the maintenance burdens associated with UI tests, the company is not only enhancing productivity but also enabling engineering teams to focus more on innovation. As organizations increasingly adopt this technology, it is poised to redefine the landscape of test automation, further solidifying Keysight Technologies' position as a leader in the industry.
For additional resources related to this launch, Keysight offers a Solution Brief and a Webinar focusing on AI element location and its implications for testing methodologies.
7. About Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies, an S&P 500 company, is dedicated to inspiring and empowering innovators in various sectors, including communications, aerospace, and automotive markets. The company provides leading design, emulation, and test solutions that help engineers accelerate innovation and deliver world-changing technologies. To learn more about Keysight’s offerings and innovations, visit their website.