Why can't RPA library or pywinauto click on a background WPF element without a valid WindowHandle, while UiPath can when both uses same microsoft UIA Automation?

Problem Description:

I am working with Robot Framework using Python to automate a desktop application developed in the WPF framework. My specific requirement is to click on an element in the background (i.e., without bringing the application to the foreground).

However, I’ve encountered the following issue:

When using Robot Framework’s libraries like RPA.Windows or pywinauto, I can only click on the element if the application is in the foreground.

The same operation works seamlessly in UiPath, even with the application in the background.

Additionally: The target element in the application does not have a valid WindowHandle, as is common with WPF elements.

What I’ve Tried:

1. Verified that Robot Framework can locate the element using RPA.Windows.Get Attribute or similar methods.
2. Confirmed that UiPath successfully interacts with the same element in the background.
3. Studied that both Robot Framework (via pywinauto or RPA.Windows) and UiPath use Microsoft UI Automation Framework for interaction.
4. Attempted alternative approaches like using pywinauto’s uia_controls, but the issue persists.

Observations:

My understanding is that UiPath also relies on Microsoft UI Automation Framework but achieves something extra to allow seamless interaction with background WPF elements.

Questions:

What additional mechanisms or features could UiPath be leveraging, beyond the standard Microsoft UI Automation Framework, to enable interaction with background WPF elements?

Is there a way to enable or enhance background interaction with WPF elements using Microsoft UI Automation APIs directly (e.g., through custom patterns or configurations)?

Are there Microsoft-recommended libraries or approaches for reliably automating WPF elements in the background?

Environment Details:

Target Application Framework: WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation)

1. Automation Tools: Robot Framework, Python, pywinauto
2. Comparison Tool: UiPath
3. Target Application Framework: WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation)

If needed, I can provide more details about the WPF application, element attributes retrieved, or the specific use cases I am trying to address. Thank you in advance for your insights and recommendations!