RPA Value Shifts to Orchestration, ROI Validation as Market Matures

Event summary

  • Nucleus Research released its 2026 RPA Technology Value Matrix on March 24, 2026.
  • The report identifies Appian, Automation Anywhere, Infor RPA, Microsoft Power Automate, and Zoho RPA as leaders in the RPA market.
  • The matrix highlights a shift in RPA evaluation from bot count to demonstrable ROI and integration with broader AI strategies.
  • Agentic automation, combining deterministic processes with AI, is now a key differentiator for RPA platforms.

The big picture

The RPA market is maturing beyond simple task automation, with a focus on orchestration, integration, and demonstrable ROI. This shift reflects a broader trend toward intelligent automation, where RPA platforms are increasingly intertwined with AI and enterprise systems. The emphasis on governance and validation signals a move toward more sustainable and scalable RPA deployments, but also introduces new risks related to AI dependency and regulatory compliance.

What we're watching

Vendor Consolidation
The tiered vendor structure (Leaders, Experts, Accelerators, Core Providers) suggests potential for acquisitions and consolidation as platforms seek to broaden functionality and market reach.
Governance Risk
The emphasis on governance and controlled participation indicates that regulatory scrutiny and internal risk management will increasingly shape RPA deployments, potentially slowing adoption in some sectors.
AI Dependency
The reliance on AI agents within RPA workflows will expose organizations to the risks and biases inherent in AI models, requiring robust oversight and validation processes.

Related topics

Technology