Max, the third employee and original flowgrammer at n8n, dives into the platform's remarkable transformation into a leading AI agent tool. He shares insights on n8n's flexible self-hosting options versus cloud services, the unique Faircode licensing, and early growth challenges. Hear about the launch of n8n's AI agent node and its innovative applications in automation, as well as tips on when to use AI agents versus basic LLM chains. Max also highlights practical use cases and live demos that showcase n8n's powerful automation capabilities.
Max discusses the evolution of n8n from an open-source tool to a developer-friendly automation platform with multiple integration options.
The episode highlights the challenges n8n faced while scaling and maintaining its extensive library of over a thousand integrations.
Max emphasizes the importance of accessibility and customization in AI development, aligning with current trends in the technology landscape.
Deep dives
Mira Moratti and Thinking Machines Lab
Former OpenAI CTO Mira Moratti is launching a new venture called Thinking Machines Lab, gathering a team of around 30 researchers and engineers, including OpenAI co-founder John Schulman. The focus of this new initiative is on making AI more customizable and accessible while emphasizing human values in its development. The team's ambition is to raise a significant amount of funding, around one billion dollars, which highlights the growing demand for human-centric AI solutions in the market. Moratti's move signifies a shift towards a more tailored approach to AI technology, aiming to broaden accessibility for users.
HP's Acquisition of Humane's Assets
HP has acquired assets from Humane for $116 million, which includes the Cosmo platform and the much-talked-about Humane pin. However, this pin is set to be discontinued on February 27th, raising questions about its viability as a product in the current tech marketplace. Despite being considered advanced technology, Humane's developments may have been too forward-thinking for consumer adoption. The acquisition poses potential for HP to innovate further with its smart printers and PCs, although the outcome remains uncertain for now.
California State University and ChatGPT
The California State University System is rolling out a massive deployment of ChatGPT, granting access to more than 500,000 students and faculty. This momentous application marks a historic milestone for the integration of AI in higher education. Free access to such technology is likely to enhance the educational experience and equip students with crucial prompting skills. This larger initiative signals a broadening acceptance and reliance on AI tools in academia, setting a precedent for future educational ventures.
Exciting Software Build Contest
A new software build contest is being launched, encouraging developers to create innovative applications using the latest user table and navigation blocks. Participants are invited to showcase their work on social media by posting on X and the dedicated software form by March 2nd. With updates designed to simplify the app building process, the event aims to foster creativity and community engagement among developers. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for creators to add to their portfolios while potentially winning prizes for their efforts.
Insights from MAX at NAN
Max, an original employee at NAN, shared insights into the evolution of the platform since its inception, emphasizing its focus on offering a developer-friendly automation tool. Initially dubbed an 'open-source Zapier,' NAN has evolved its messaging and product offerings to appeal to a more technical user base. The challenges of scaling an automation platform with over a thousand integrations are discussed, highlighting the complexities of maintaining multiple distribution options. The platform's ability to support both self-hosting and cloud solutions is touted as a major advantage, catering to users with varied technical backgrounds.
Join JJ in 'This Week in NoCode + AI" as he interviews Max, n8n's third employee, and the original flowgrammer, about the evolution and rise of n8n as a leading AI agent platform. Discover the development of n8n's AI agent node, practical use cases, and demos showcasing its capabilities. 🎓 Learn how to build AI Agents with JJ: https://nocodealliance.org/course-details/intro-to-ai-agents📰 News of the WeekStarting with the latest AI news, including the launch of Thinking Machines Lab and HP's acquisition of Humane, the episode delves into the implementation of AI in higher education by the California State University System. Max shares insights on n8n's journey, their transition to a fair-code licensed product, and the challenges and innovations along the way. Learn more about n8n: https://n8n.io✅ Available on all platforms: Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. ⏱️ Time Stamps01:00 - AI News of the Week03:00 - Softr Build Contest Announcement04:00 - AI Agent Course Announcement05:00 - Interview with Max Begins06:00 - Early Days at n8n & Open Source Discussion09:00 - Growth Challenges at n8n12:00 - Cloud vs. Self-Hosting Options16:00 - n8n Flexibility with API Integrations18:00 - How n8n Entered the AI Agent Space22:00 - Live Demo: n8n AI Workflow Overview29:00 - Using Custom AI Models in n8n34:00 - When to Use AI Agents vs. Basic LLM Chains39:00 - Favorite n8n Nodes & Pro Tips47:00 - Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More#ai #podcast #n8n #automation #workflows #agents #aiagents
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