n8n launches Agents: automation by goals instead of steps

On September 25, 2026, n8n introduced Agents: users describe a goal, attach a model, tools and workflows, and the agent works out the steps itself. Agents run from Slack, on a schedule or inside workflows, every session logs steps and tool calls, and one agent turn counts as one execution. The feature is in preview on n8n Cloud and self-hosted setups.

• An agent bundles a model, instructions, channels, tools, memory and sessions
• Workflows act as tools, and their permissions cap what the agent can reach
• Each session records every step and tool call with inputs and outputs
• One agent turn consumes one execution from the workflow quota