In automator, apple claims you can create a dialog with a progress bar. Is this feasible or outdated?
Please be aware that the link you posted refers to Script Editor, not Automator.
In Script Editor (programmed in either AppleScript or JavaScript) this is totally possible, just try the AppleScript sample code at the end of the developer article (open in Script Editor, save as application, run).
In Automator, only the progress of the respective steps within the Automator workflow can be shown (a rotating cog wheel or progress circle in the menu bar).